Intelligence structure and attention properties in children with three subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Objective To investigate the intelligence structure and attention properties, and to explore the relationship between them in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder of the predominantly inattention type (ADHD-I), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (ADHD-HI) and combined type (ADHD-C). Methods Children with ADHD-I (n=24), ADHD-HI(n=12) and ADHD-C (n=54) aged between 7-10 years were tested with Chinese Revised Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC) and integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT). Comparisons of cognitive profiles of C-WISC scores between subtypes of ADHD were performed. Additionally, the relationship between attention/response control quotients and cognitive profiles was investigated. Results (1) Intelligence structure: verbal intelligence (VIQ) of ADHD-HI (110.08±10.64) was higher than that of ADHD-C (101.13±13.20) and ADHD-I (94.71±11.11). Full scale intelligence quotient (FIQ) of ADHD-HI (104.33±9.63) was higher than that of ADHD-I (94.38±10.48). Factor A of ADHD-HI (45.75±7.14) and ADHD-C (41.41±8. 57) were higher than that of ADHD-I (36.67±6.72). Factor C of ADHD-HI(33.42±5.42) was higher than that of ADHD-C (29.24±5.26) and ADHD-I (29.13±5.39). (2) Attention properties: Full scale attention quotient of ADHD-C (90.26±11.67) was lower than that of ADHD-I (98.17±18.03) and ADHD-HI (99.25±15.58). Auditory attention quotient of ADHD-C (89.94±14.16) was lower than that of ADHD-I (99.00±18.66). (3) Relationship between intelligence and attention: the Pearson correlations of the auditory attention quotient and auditory control quotient with the PIQ were 0.24 and 0.29 respectively. The correlations of the visual attention quotient with the PIQ and FIQ were 0.21 and 0.25 respectively. The correlations of the full scale attention quotient with PIQ and FIQ were 0.27 and 0.24 respectively. Each of these correlations reached the level of significance at the 5% level. Conclusion Cognitive profile and attention properties analysis reveal that children with different subtypes of ADHD have distinct weakness in intelligence structure. The understanding of relationship between intelligence structure and attention properties in children with subtypes of ADHD is useful for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Key words: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Intelligence; Attention; Subtypes