[Neuropsychological and behavioral profiles of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder from cali, colombia].

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have found neuropsychological and behavioral disorders in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which have been explained as an executive dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To describe and compare children with ADHD and a control group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

79 seven to eleven-year-old children were selected and grouped according to ADHD DSM IV criteria and the T scores on a ADHD checklist. They were classified as predominantly inattentive (n=19), combined (n=24) and control (n=36) groups. Age, gender, socio economic status and intellectual quotient (>85) were statistically controlled. Neuropsychological functions were assessed with a child neuropsychological battery, and the behavioral dimensions were evaluated with the BASC's questionnaires, Conner's parents (CPRS) and teachers (CTRS) rating scales, and with a questionnaire for oppositional defiant (ODD) and conduct (CD) disorders.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found (P<0.01) in neuropsychological variables of mental control, continuous auditory performance, Rey's complex figure evocation and the Stroop's test. There were significant differences in the most BASC's internalizing and externalizing dimensions, so for the parents as for the teachers and self report questionnaire, and in the dimensions of CPRS, CTRS, ODD and CD questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Children with ADHD showed difficulties in sustained and selective attention, visual memory, inhibitory control, and they had behavioral disorders similar to those informed by previous studies.