Ga. Gimpel et Br. Kuhn, Maternal report of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in preschool children, CHILD CAR H, 26(3), 2000, pp. 163-176
Two hundred and fifty-three mothers were surveyed regarding attention defic
it hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in their preschool children (aged
2-6 years). Twenty-four children (9.5%) met DSM-IV criteria (criterion A o
nly) for ADHD based solely on parent report. Mean ratings of the three core
symptoms of ADHD (hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness) were in
the mid-range on a 1-7 point scale, with mothers indicating their children
were most likely to be impulsive. Positive parental endorsement of the 18
individual DSM-IV symptoms of ADHD ranged from 4% for 'loses things necessa
ry for tasks', to 28.4% for 'is on the go or acts as if driven by a motor'.
Males and children of less-educated parents were more likely to receive en
dorsement of ADHD symptoms. There were no differences with respect to age o
f the child or birth order (first vs later born). Global ratings of hyperac
tivity and inattentiveness predicted overall ratings of ADHD but when class
ification rates were examined, high global ratings were not predictive of d
iagnosis. These results lend support to the notion that relying solely on p
arents' verbal reports of isolated ADHD symptoms may lead to over-identific
ation of the disorder. Thus, using full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and incl
uding standardized behaviour rating scales across multiple informants and s
ettings, is recommended.