Attention behavior and hyperactivity and concurrent neurocognitive and social competence functioning in 4-year-olds from two population-based birth cohorts.
OBJECTIVE
We studied the associations between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and the neurobehavioral status in two population-based birth cohorts.


METHODS
Children (n=467) were assessed by psychologists and teachers for neuropsychological functioning (McCarthy Scales, MCSA), inattention-hyperactivity symptoms (ADHD-DSM-IV form list) and social behavior (California Preschool Social Competence Scale, CPSCS). Regression models were used with covariate adjustment.


RESULTS
Sixteen percent of children had ADHD-DSM-IV symptoms. MCSA scores were linearly associated with ADHD symptom scores (general cognitive Beta=-0.6 [-1.0; -0.3] per symptom), specifically inattention scores (general cognitive Beta=-1.8 [-2.3; -1.2]). CPSCS scores were associated with ADHD symptoms (Beta=-2.19 [-2.5; -1.9]). MCSA scores of executive function, perceptive-performance and quantitative sub-areas had stronger associations with ADHD symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Preschooler ADHD symptoms are associated with concurrent decrements in neurocognitive and social competence functioning. The association patterns are similar to those found in older children with ADHD symptomology (Marks et al., 2005 [36], Seidman, 2006 [46], Sonuga-Barke et al., 2003 [48], Yochman et al., 2006 [53]).
Julvez
J
J
Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), C. Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain. jjulvez@creal.cat
Forns
M
M
Ribas-Fitó
N
N
Torrent
M
M
Sunyer
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires