Dimensions and Correlates of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo

The present study examined Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) in relation to ADHD symptoms, clinical diagnosis, and multiple aspects of adjustment in a clinical sample. Parent and teacher reports were gathered for 322 children and adolescents evaluated for behavioral, emotional, and/or learning problems at a university clinic. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) supported the presence of three separate, but correlated factors (SCT, inattention, and hyperactivity/impulsivity) in both parent and teacher ratings. As expected, SCT symptoms were greatest in youth with ADHD Inattentive type, but were also found in non-ADHD clinical groups. SCT symptoms were related to inattention, internalizing, and social problems across both parent and teacher informants; for parent reports, SCT was also related to more externalizing problems. Findings support the statistical validity of the SCT construct, but its clinical utility is still unclear.     

Peer-based differences among boys with ADHD

Examined the peer interactions and peer acceptance of three groups of boys ages 8 to 11 1/2 years: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), predominantly inattentive type; ADHD, combined type; and nonclinical controls (N = 45). Peer nominations were obtained from each boy's classroom. Newly acquainted peers consisting of boys from each of the 3 groups were observed for 3 play sessions, after which peer nominations were obtained. Both ADHD groups were more likely than nonclinical controls to receive lower social preference scores from peers in the classroom but not in the play groups. In both settings, boys from the predominantly inattentive group were more likely to be nominated as very shy, whereas boys from the combined type group were more likely to be nominated for starting fights and arguments. Observations of the play group showed that boys from the predominantly inattentive group displayed a marked pattern of social withdrawal. The findings suggest that the peer rejection experienced by these 2 groups may result from very different social behavior patterns.     

Unintentional Injury Risk in Children with Externalizing Behavior Disorders at Summer Camp

Children with externalizing behavior disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD) have greatly increased risk of unintentional injury, but it is unclear what mechanisms are responsible for that increased risk. This study followed 22 children participating in a summer camp for children with ADHD. Injury incidents were recorded daily and a set of primary symptoms of behavioral disorders were recorded at 15-min intervals over the course of the 6-week summer camp experience (roughly 300 h of observing each child). We predicted symptoms of ODD and CD would be more strongly related to injury incidence than symptoms of ADHD. Results from univariate Poisson regression models confirmed our prediction. Symptoms of ODD and CD—violations and intentional aggression in particular—were related to injury incidence but symptoms of ADHD were not. This finding is consistent with a growing body of evidence that oppositional, noncompliant, and aggressive behavior patterns might be primarily responsible for increased risk for injury among children with externalizing behavior disorders. Thanks to Sylvie Mrug, Peter Winslett, and the other staff members of the STP camp for their cooperation.