Alternative selection criteria for identifying children with ADHD: Observed behavior and self-reported internalizing symptoms

This study investigated how children who identified themselves as having at tention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) via a DSM-based child intervi ew would differ from children who were so identified by an adult only on a commonly used parent/teacher rating scale. Prevalence of ADHD, age, IQ, obs erved disruptive behavior, self-reported internalizing symptoms, and sympto m severity of externalizing symptoms and comorbid internalizing and externa lizing disorders were examined. Although no significant differences were fo und in observed disruptive behavior between groups, the Child Set-Identifie d group endorsed significantly more internalizing items on commonly used se lf-raring scales. Findings suggest that children who self-identify as havin g ADHD may also exhibit higher levels of internalizing symptoms.