[Executive function characteristic in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder comorbid disruptive behavior disorders].

OBJECTIVE

To answer the question whether executive function (EF) deficits are specific to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or whether such deficits are also associated with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD), including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conductive disorder (CD).

METHODS

A total of 19 pure ADHD boys, 19 ADHD+DBD boys and 19 normal controls (criteria of DSM-IV) were collected as our samples. The groups were matched by age (less than 6 months). The research instruments included Stroop color-word task, Rey complex figure test, digit span test, trail making test, tower of Hanoi and verbal fluency test.

RESULTS

The differences of IQs weren't significant among three groups. (1) Both pure ADHD group and ADHD+DBD group performed worse (P<0.05) in the aspects of the time of Stroops 2 and 4, errors of Stroop 4; the delay recalling structure and detail score, the immediate memory detail score of Rey complex figure test; error steps (rule violation) of tow of Hanoi. But the differences between pure ADHD and ADHD+DBD weren't significant (P>0.05). (2) pure ADHD group also showed deficits in the aspects of errors of Stroop 2, time and errors of Stroop 3, word interference time; immediate memory structure score of Rey complex figure test; time and errors of number letter part and shifting time of trail making test; total time and steps of completing tower of Hanoi. The differences were significant (P<0.05). (3) ADHD+DBD group performed better on the time of naming color of the color block card (part 2,P=0.044) and color-word card (part 4,P=0.022), and also had the tendency to shorter word interference time (P=0.055) than pure ADHD group.

CONCLUSION

The findings support the hypothesis that ADHD is related to EF deficit, whether or not comorbid DBD. ADHD+DBD group showed significant difference in the aspects of inhibition and working memory as compared with the normal group, but the area and degree of EF deficits were less than pure ADHD group.