Abstract
Very little is known about the differences of the neurocognitive functioning of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Paediatric Bipolar Disorder (PBD), since current studies do not agree on a differentiation of Executive Function (EF) between the two disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the EF deficits associated with symptomatology of ADHD and the PBD phenotype. Participants were 76 children/adolescents aged 6-17 years and their parents, submitted to a diagnostic interview and a tool for assessing EF, Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function. Structural Equation Modeling was used to examine associations between symptoms of ADHD and the PBD phenotype, and the EF. A model for parents and a model for children/adolescents were performed. The model indexes showed a satisfactory fit. ADHD was found to be associated with deficits in all areas of EF, especially when the predominant symptom is inattention. The presence of symptoms of PBD phenotype was associated only with difficulties in finding new strategies to solve problems and inhibiting new behaviour. The article concluded that the presence of ADHD symptoms is associated with cognitive deficits different from those that may occur with PBD symptoms. It is advisable that professionals consider patients' neurocognitive profiles in order to achieve an appropriate differential diagnosis.
Highlights
Resumo Ainda é pouco o que se sabe do funcionamento do Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade (TDAH) e do Transtorno Bipolar Pediátrico (TBP), já que atualmente os investigadores não concordam quanto a uma diferenciação da Função Executiva (FE) nos dois transtornos
Some authors strive to differentiate between Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Paediatric Bipolar Disorder (PBD), since there are three symptoms described by DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000) that are common in ADHD and Bipolar Disorder (Mania phase): rapid speech, distractibility, and motor restlessness or hyperactivity (APA, 2000)
This study strengthens existing information regarding the differentiation of Executive function (EF) deficits that are associated with the symptomatology of ADHD and PBD in children and adolescents
Summary
Resumo Ainda é pouco o que se sabe do funcionamento do Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade (TDAH) e do Transtorno Bipolar Pediátrico (TBP), já que atualmente os investigadores não concordam quanto a uma diferenciação da Função Executiva (FE) nos dois transtornos. Executive function (EF) refers to higher cognitive processes that regulate the cognitive, emotional, and social behaviour of persons (Ardila & Ostrosky-Solís, 2008; Barkley, 2000; Trujillo & Pineda, 2008). Their function is to solve new and complex situations to which the subject is exposed (Anderson, 2002). Other similar symptoms are: talking too much, inadequate actions and responses in social situations, and lack of emotional and behavioural inhibition (Geller et al, 2002 cited in Walshaw, Alloy, & Saab, 2010) Considering these aspects, Geller et al (1995) have shown that these two disorders may be comorbid.
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