Latent class analysis of child behavior checklist attention problems

To test whether attention problems in children are continuously distributed or categorically discrete, the authors performed latent class analyses (LC A) of items from the Attention Problems scale of the Child Behavior Checkli st (CBCL) using data from the clinical and nonclinical samples used in the derivation of the CBCL syndromes. Method: A CBCL was completed by a parent or guardian of each of 2,100 nonreferred children selected to be representa tive of U.S. nonreferred children and a demographically matched sample of 2 ,100 clinically referred children. Attention problems symptoms were subject ed to LCA. Results: LCAs were consistent with the presence of 3 levels of s ymptom presentation in both samples. Children in the nonclinical sample wer e classified as having no symptoms, mild symptoms, or moderate symptoms. Ch ildren in the clinical group had mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. Conclu sions: These results suggest that child and adolescent psychiatric symptoms such as attention problems can be thought of as continuously distributed p henomena rather than discrete disease entities, lending support for an empi rical approach to both clinical work and research. In addition, high preval ence rates of attention problems in both clinical and nonclinical samples s uggest the need for careful screening of attention problems in clinic and a cademic settings.