Abstract
Cluster analysis was used to investigate empirical typologies of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity traits and whether these traits would correspond to DSM-IV ADHD typologies. Parents rated 104 male and female children, aged 5 to 14.7 years, on a scale developed to operationalise DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) criteria. Cluster analysis revealed four ADHD typologies with possible developmental changes in hyperactive-impulsive behavior as children mature as well as two 'normal' subgroups. Results indicated that DSM-IV defined ADHD characteristics where present in a cross section of individuals including nonpsychiatric controls. The structure of ADHD characteristics reflected the DSM-IV Combined and Inattentive types but failed to support a robust hyperactivity-impulsivity subgroup. Post hoc analysis suggested this may be a result of developmental factors; wherein hyperactivity-impulsivity traits decrease with age and inattention remains relatively stable. Cluster analysis also suggests that ADHD symptoms are normal personality traits that become pathological at relatively high levels.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1187-1195 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Personality and Individual Differences |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2004 |
Keywords
- ADHD
- Cluster analysis
- Typologies