Fading memories: retrospective recall inaccuracies in ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
This longitudinal study examines the recall accuracy of childhood ADHD symptoms in late adolescence and early adulthood by youth and their parents, compared with reports obtained during childhood.


METHODS
Participants (N = 94) are initially evaluated when they are aged between 7 and 11 and reassessed when they are aged between 16 and 22 years. All participants meet full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ADHD in childhood. Assessments at baseline and follow-up include clinical interviews and ADHD checklists.


RESULTS
Results indicate that both youth and their parents have limited retrospective recall of childhood symptoms. Current ADHD symptoms improve accuracy of recall. Specifically, when current symptoms are endorsed, participants are more likely to recall clinically significant childhood ADHD symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that late adolescents and young adults with ADHD and their parents have limited ability to accurately recall childhood symptoms, with reporting of past symptoms influenced by reports of severity of current symptoms.
University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. cjmiller@uwindsor.ca
Carlin J
CJ
Miller
Jeffrey H
JH
Newcorn
Jeffrey M
JM
Halperin
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D010290:Parents; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult