Detecting Differences between Clinical Presentations in ADHD through the Cognitive Profile Obtained from WISC-IV

Abstract

Objective: The current study explores whether WISC-IV cognitive profiles could allow to differentiate between presentations of ADHD. Method: A clinical sample of 216 subjects aged between 6 and 16 years and distributed into 2 subgroups (ADHD inattentive type group aged M = 8.5, SD = 2.4; and ADHD combined group M = 10.1, SD = 2.6) was recruited for the study. Results: Processing Speed Index mean score was significantly higher (F (1,214) = 14.7, p< .001, d = 0.52) in ADHD-Inattentive group (M = 90.7; SD = 12.1) than ADHD-Combined group (M = 97.7; SD = 14.7). Furthermore, PSI was negatively associated with "Inattention" dimension (β = -.21, p< .001 family and β = -.19, p< .001 teachers) while it was positively associated with "Hyperactivity/Impulsivity" dimension (β = .27, p< .001 family and β = .33, p< .001 teachers). Conclusions: The higher inattentiveness the lower PSI mean score, while a higher hyperactivity/impulsivity mean score would reduce the impact caused for inattentiveness. Thus, ADHD-I profile would tend to show a significant lower PSI mean score than ADHD-C.

Detection of Executive Performance Profiles Using the ENFEN Battery in Children Diagnosed With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…In line with the efficacy of the measurement of EFs for the diagnosis of ADHD, other investigations (Mayes and Calhoun, 2006;Thaler et al, 2013;Fenollar et al, 2015;Navarro et al, 2017Navarro et al, , 2019, which use a very solid psychometric battery such as the WISC-IV (Wechsler, 2011), conclude that in the case of the clinical population diagnosed with ADHD, their cognitive pattern presents a significant step in the Cognitive Proficiency Index (compared with the GAI, it is an index made up of the scores obtained in Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning), an index derived from the global scores obtained in WM and PS, subtests that are more demanding on an executive level (Bustillo and Servera, 2015).…”

“…Normotypic development group (NDG): (a) failure to meet the ADHD diagnostic criteria according to the ADHD Rating Scale DSM-IV and (b) presenting a general capacity index, measured with IV version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale, greater than 80 (Navarro et al, 2017(Navarro et al, , 2019.…”

“…ADHD group with a cognitive step: (a) presenting an ADHD diagnosis taking into account the criteria of the ADHD Rating Scale DSM-IV, (b) presenting a general capacity index, measured with the IV version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale, greater than 80 (Navarro et al, 2017(Navarro et al, , 2019, and (c) presence of a "cognitive step" determined by a significant difference between the scores for GAI and CPI. Following previously stated research, the presence of this "cognitive step" indicates a higher degree of ADHD, as well as more acute symptoms.…”