Detecting Differences between Clinical Presentations in ADHD through the Cognitive Profile Obtained from WISC-IV

Abstract

Objective: The current study explores whether WISC-IV cognitive profiles could allow to differentiate between presentations of ADHD. Method: A clinical sample of 216 subjects aged between 6 and 16 years and distributed into 2 subgroups (ADHD inattentive type group aged M = 8.5, SD = 2.4; and ADHD combined group M = 10.1, SD = 2.6) was recruited for the study. Results: Processing Speed Index mean score was significantly higher (F (1,214) = 14.7, p< .001, d = 0.52) in ADHD-Inattentive group (M = 90.7; SD = 12.1) than ADHD-Combined group (M = 97.7; SD = 14.7). Furthermore, PSI was negatively associated with “Inattention” dimension (β = -.21, p< .001 family and β = -.19, p< .001 teachers) while it was positively associated with “Hyperactivity/Impulsivity” dimension (β = .27, p< .001 family and β = .33, p< .001 teachers). Conclusions: The higher inattentiveness the lower PSI mean score, while a higher hyperactivity/impulsivity mean score would reduce the impact caused for inattentiveness. Thus, ADHD-I profile would tend to show a significant lower PSI mean score than ADHD-C.