Attention deficit hyperactivity disordera predictive model of comorbidity with behaviour disorder

Abstract

This paper examines the comorbidity profile of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Behaviour Disorder (BD), exploring the pattern that predicts this psychopathological association. A sample of 90 ADHD subjects aged 6 to 16 was analyzed. Using a differential methodology, ADHD+BD was compared with the absence of co-morbidity. ADHD was assessed according to DSM-IV criteria, and comorbidity by means of CSI. Intellectual profile (as measured by WISC-R), academic performance, the relational dimension, psychiatric antecedents and family conditions were taken into account. Descriptive and exploratory statistics were used and a logistic regression was carried out. The differential profile implies that ADHD+BD subjects present significantly higher deterioration in the relational dimension and academic performance and present higher percentage of separated parents. The pattern predicting ADHD+BD includes the relational dimension, whilst the pattern for ADHD + Dissocial Disorder includes the relational dimension and separated parents (p <.05).