The case for DSM-IV subtypes in ADHD

✍ Scribed by Carlson, Caryn L. ;Shin, Misung ;Booth, Jane

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 66 KB
• Volume: 5
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1080-4013
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2779(1999)5:3<199::aid-mrdd6>3.0.co;2-#

✦ Synopsis

This article selectively reviews research that has examined the three DSM-IV attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes. Data relevant to the validity of the subtyping system, including demographic, comorbidity, cognitive/attentional, and social correlates of the three subtypes are presented. The majority of relevant research has examined the ADHD/C and ADHD/IA subtypes, with less information available for the newly identified ADHD/HI subtype. Findings support the existence of the ADHD/IA subtype; children so diagnosed show impairment and patterns of dysfunction unique from those with the ADHD/C subtype. Further research on many aspects of ADHD/IA is needed to clarify whether it is best considered a separate disorder or an ADHD subtype, however, and to determine the most appropriate diagnostic criteria. Although the scant existing data also suggest that the ADHD/HI subtype is associated with impairment and a different pattern of deficits relative to the other two subtypes, further elucidation of its developmental course is needed to clearly determine its validity.