Date of Submission

2010

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology

First Advisor

James Brad Hale, Ph.D., Chairperson

Second Advisor

Lisa Hain, Psy.D.

Third Advisor

George McCloskey, Ph.D.

Abstract

This study investigated the neuropsychological and behavioral profiles seen in children diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type (IA), inattentive type plus an internalizing disorder (IA + INT), combined type (CT), and combined type plus an externalizing disorder (CT + EXT). Subjects were 63 unmedicated children aged 6 to 16 who had been assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC–IV), Conners’ Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT–II), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Group differences were found for the WISC–IV Digits Backward subtest (IA + INT IA and IA + INT), and externalizing behavior scales on the CBCL and TRF (IA + INT>IA, CT + EXT > CT). Forced-entry discriminant analyses were used to investigate whether the neuropsychological and behavioral measures could accurately predict group membership and to more generally evaluate the utility of a combined neuropsychological/behavioral approach in ADHD assessment. Combined methods resulted in correct classification rates of 88.9% and even 100% when the Teacher Report Form (TRF) was included, as compared to 68.3% to 71.4% for separate approaches. Results support meaningful distinctions among ADHD IA, IA + INT, CT, and CT + EXT groups, and the utility of the WISC–IV, CPT–II, CBCL, and TRF in differentiating these groups. Results further illustrate the heterogeneous nature of ADHD and the value of using a combined neuropsychological/behavioral approach in ADHD assessment.

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