Discriminant validity of the Conners' scales for ADHD subtypes

Differential diagnosis and treatment of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyp eractivity Disorder (ADHD) remains difficult and controversial, particularl y when children present with concomitant academic and behavior problems. De scribing a sample of 184 children referred for evaluation in a university-a ffiliated outpatient pediatric clinic, this study subsequently examined the discriminant validity, of the Conners' parent and teacher rating scales fo r ADHD subtypes with and without comorbid conditions. Although discriminant analyses suggest several Conners' subscales help differentiate subtypes, m ultimethod evaluations using a variety of data sources are necessary for ac curate identification and classification of the disorder with and without c omorbid conditions.