Validation of an objective measure of response perseveration in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder /
| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1991.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | The basic problem underlying the current study was one of differential diagnosis to better delineate homogeneous subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), specifically the discrimination of ADHD from ADHD with co-occurring conduct problems (CP). Rating scales used alone, due to their inherent rater biases, generally have been unable to make this delineation. Since a new experimental laboratory measure of response perseveration had shown some promise in this important differentiation, it was subjected to further psychometric study. Sixty-eight referred boys aged 7 through 12 years were administered a battery of tests including the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT), as well as the direct experimental measure of response perseveration, the Cue Annulment Test (CAT). Behavior rating scales (Conners Teacher Rating Scale, Conners Parent Rating Scale, and IOWA Conners Teacher Rating Scale) were also completed on each boy. Finally, a frequency count was made for negative affect during the administration of the computerized tasks, called the Negative Affect Rating Scale (NAOR). A reliable method of scoring the CAT was found and validity studies were pursued with this newly-devised method (CAT Probe Phase score). This score (which is age-dependent) was found to correlate weakly with the CPT Omission Errors score in a younger age group (ages 7 to 9 years), but to produce no significant correlations in an older age group (ages 10 to 12 years) once age was partialed out. Diagnostic subgroups were formed using scores on both laboratory and rating scale measures: ADHD (n = 14), CP (n = 12), ADHD/CP (n = 23), and controls (n = 12). The CAT, WCST, and MFFT were unable to discriminate among these subgroups once age and IQ were partialed out. However, another direct laboratory measure, the CPT, gave more encouraging results. Not only was the CPT able to significantly differentiate between ADHD groups and controls, but also, it significantly differentiated ADHD from CP. It was recommended in the multifaceted differentiation of ADHD from CP that multimodal assessment techniques (direct laboratory measures, rating scales, and behavioral observation) be used in concert to disentangle the intertwined dimensions of ADHD and CP for differential diagnosis. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: School Psychology." |
| Physical Description: | x, 169 leaves ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |