Abstract
BackgroundWhen developing behaviour measurement tools that use third party assessments, such as parent report, it is important to demonstrate reliability of resulting scales through replication using novel cohorts. The domestic dog has been suggested as a model to investigate normal variation in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviours impaired in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). The human ADHD Rating Scale, modified for dogs and using owner-directed surveys, was applied in a European sample. We asked whether findings would be replicated utilizing an Internet survey in a novel sample, where unassisted survey completion, participant attitudes and breeds might affect previous findings.MethodsUsing a slightly modified version of the prior survey, we collected responses (n = 1030, 118 breeds representing 7 breed groups) primarily in the United States and Canada. This study was conducted using an Internet survey mechanism.ResultsReliability analyses confirmed two scales previously identified for dogs (inattention [IA], hyperactivity-impulsivity [HA-IM]). Models including age, training status, and breed group accounted for very little variance in subscales, with no effect of gender.ConclusionsThe factor invariance demonstrated in these findings confirms that owner report, using this modified human questionnaire, provides dog scores according to "inattention" and "hyperactivity-impulsivity" axes. Further characterization of naturally occurring variability of attention, activity, and impulsivity in domestic dogs may provide insight into genetic backgrounds underlying behaviours impaired in attention and associated disorders.
Highlights
When developing behaviour measurement tools that use third party assessments, such as parent report, it is important to demonstrate reliability of resulting scales through replication using novel cohorts
More specific criteria described for face validity of animal models for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) include impulsivity that develops over time, inattention with temporally widely-spaced stimuli, and hyperactivity in a non-novel environment that develops over time; ADHD-specific criteria for construct validity include altered reinforcement of novel behaviour and deficient extinction of previously reinforced behaviour [7]
Non-human primates exposed to the dopamine neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) have been suggested as appropriate ADHD models [8,9,10], animal models for ADHD have historically been rat or mouse models [11]
Summary
When developing behaviour measurement tools that use third party assessments, such as parent report, it is important to demonstrate reliability of resulting scales through replication using novel cohorts. The domestic dog has been suggested as a model to investigate normal variation in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviours impaired in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). An appropriate animal model for ADHD must demonstrate face (similar behavioural characteristics), construct (theoretical rationale), and predictive (correctly predict behavioural and biological characteristics) validity [7]. More specific criteria described for face validity of animal models for ADHD include impulsivity that develops over time, inattention with temporally widely-spaced stimuli, and hyperactivity in a non-novel environment that develops over time; ADHD-specific criteria for construct validity include altered reinforcement of novel behaviour and deficient extinction of previously reinforced behaviour [7]. An additional advantage is a simpler nervous system offering similar basic behavioural mechanisms
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