Severity of symptomatology and subtypes in ADHD children with comorbid oppositional defiant and conduct disorders

Abstract

Background:The relationship between attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant and conduct disorders (ODD/CD) requires further studies. Methods: The aim was to examine the relationship among ADHD severity [assessed by ADHD Rating Scale-Parent Version (PV)], ADHD subtypes, and the comorbidity with ODD/CD in 217 Italian ADHD children. Results: A total of 35.02 % of the participants displayed ADHD with ODD, 14.29 % ADHD with CD, and 50.69 % no ODD/CD comorbid diagnosis. The Hyperactivity Score of the ADHD Rating Scale-PV was a significant predictor of ODD; age and the Hyperactivity Score were significant predictors of CD. The combined subtype was significantly higher in CD children. Conclusions: Data, which confirm the only recent article on the topic, help to clarify the relationship between ADHD and externalizing disorders.

The role of parents in the care for adolescents suffering from emotional and behavioral problems

“…Our study also brought implications for future research. The care providers we interviewed did not refer to specific types of parents of adolescents in vulnerable groups who more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems, e.g., adopted youths or those in institutional care ( Muzi and Pace, 2020 ) or parents of adolescents with specific psychiatric diagnoses ( Di Trani et al, 2013 ). However, it might be of interest to address that in future.…”