title: A network analysis of developmental change in ADHD symptom structure from preschool to adulthood.
abstract: Although there is substantial support for the validity of the diagnosis of ADHD, there is considerable disagreement about how to best capture developmental changes in the expression of ADHD symptomatology. The current paper examines the associations among the 18 individual ADHD symptoms using a novel network analysis approach, from preschool to adulthood. The 1,420 participants were grouped into four age brackets: Preschool (age 3-6,n= 109), childhood (age 6-12,n= 548), adolescence (age 13-17,n= 357), and young adulthood (age 18-36,n= 406). All participants completed a multi-stage, multi-informant diagnostic process, and self and informant symptom ratings were obtained. Network analysis indicated ADHD symptom structure became more differentiated over development. Two symptomsOften easily distractedandDifficulty sustaining attentionappeared as central, or core, symptoms across all age groups. Thus, a small number of core symptoms may warrant extra weighting in future diagnostic systems.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, University of Kentucky.
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Martel
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis.
authors.forename: Cheri A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Levinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis.
authors.forename: Julia K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Department, Oregon Health & Science University.
authors.forename: Joel T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Nigg
keywords: Attention; developmental disorders; developmental psychopathology