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ADHD Symptom Subtypes in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder

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Abstract

Objective

Compares DSM-IV ADHD subtypes in large samples of 3-to-5 and 6-to-12 year old children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) vs. nonPDD clinic referrals.

Method

Parents and teachers completed a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale.

Results

ADHD subtypes were clearly differentiated from the nonADHD group and showed a differential pattern of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms (more pronounced for teacher- than parent-defined subtypes and older than younger children) that was similar in both PDD and nonPDD samples. The Combined type had more severe oppositional, aggressive, and PDD symptoms than Inattentive type and were from less advantaged homes than other subtypes. Hyperactive-Impulsive type was least impaired.

Conclusion

Findings support the notion that ADHD may be a clinically meaningful syndrome in children with PDD.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to thank Dr. Joseph Schwartz for his assistance with data analyses. This study was supported, in part, by a grant from the Matt and Debra Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Kenneth D. Gadow

  2. Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Carla J. DeVincent & John Pomeroy

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Science State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Kenneth D. Gadow

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  1. Kenneth D. Gadow
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  2. Carla J. DeVincent
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  3. John Pomeroy
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Correspondence to Kenneth D. Gadow.

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Gadow, K.D., DeVincent, C.J. & Pomeroy, J. ADHD Symptom Subtypes in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 36, 271–283 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-005-0060-3

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