Factor structure of parent- and teacher-rated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in the Preschoolers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment Study (PATS).
OBJECTIVE
This study examines one-, two-, and three-factor models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using the existing 18 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 4th edition (DSM-IV) symptoms in a sample of symptomatic preschoolers.


METHODS
Parent and/or teacher ratings of DSM-IV symptoms were obtained for 532 children (aged 3-5.5) who were screened for the Preschool ADHD Treatment Study (PATS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using symptoms identified on the Conners' Parent and Teacher Rating Scales was conducted to assess a two-factor model representing the DSM-IV dimensions of inattention (IN) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (H/I), a three-factor model reflecting inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and a single-factor model of all ADHD symptoms. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was subsequently used to examine the latent structure of the data.


RESULTS
For parent ratings, the two-factor and three-factor models were marginally acceptable according to several widely used fit indices, whereas the one-factor model failed to meet minimum thresholds for goodness-of-fit. For teachers, none of the models was a solid fit for the data. Maximum likelihood EFAs resulted in satisfactory two and three-factor models for both parents and teachers, although all models contained several moderate cross loadings. Factor loadings were generally concordant with those published for older children and community-based samples.


CONCLUSIONS
ADHD subtypes according to current DSM-IV specifications may not be the best descriptors of the disorder in the preschool age group.
Hardy
Kristina K
KK
Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. hardy017@mc.duke.edu
Kollins
Scott H
SH
Murray
Desiree W
DW
Riddle
Mark A
MA
Greenhill
Laurence
L
Cunningham
Charles
C
Abikoff
Howard B
HB
McCracken
James T
JT
Vitiello
Benedetto
B
Davies
Mark
M
McGough
James J
JJ
Posner
Kelly
K
Skrobala
Anne M
AM
Swanson
James M
JM
Wigal
Tim
T
Wigal
Sharon B
SB
Ghuman
Jaswinder K
JK
Chuang
Shirley Z
SZ
D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006948:Hyperkinesis / Q000523:psychology; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012574:Schools