COMORBIDITY OF HYPERACTIVITY-IMPULSIVITY-INATTENTION AND CONDUCT PROBLEMS - RISK-FACTORS IN SOCIAL, AFFECTIVE, AND ACADEMIC DOMAINS

Children showing a comorbid behavior pattern of hyperactivity-impulsiv ity-inattention and conduct problems (HIA + CP) were contrasted to chi ldren having only an internalizing and externalizing behavior pattern (I + E) and matched controls. Children displaying the HIA + CP behavio r pattern were at greater risk on a number of outcome measures in soci al and academic domains beginning in Grade 3 and continuing into Grade 4. The most marked differences among the three groups were found on p eer measures of rejection and friendship and teacher ratings of social skills. On average, almost two-thirds of the HIA + CP group were reje cted by their peers compared to one-third of the I + E group and only 12.5% controls. Over 70% of the HIA + CP group had no reciprocated fri endships from Grade 3 to Grade 4 compared to less than half of the I E group and approximately one-fourth of controls. Contrary to much th eorizing in the literature, the HIA + CP and I + E groups showed avera ge levels of academic self-concept and did not differ from controls in on measures of social self-concept and academic self-concept and gene ral self-esteem. These findings were interpreted in light of positive illusory biases and the established link between aggressive behavior a nd egotism. The current article offers partial support for Lynam's (19 96) notion of the ''fledgling psychopath.''