Family-Investigation of Children and Adolescent with ADHD - Differences between DSM-IV Subtypes with regard to Comorbidity, Family History and Age of Onset

Abstract

The aim of this examination was to examine differences between the combined subtype and the inattentive subtype of ADHD in families with affected siblings. Prevalence of ADHD in parents, comorbidity and age of onset were investigated. Epidemiological data and demographic data were analysed. Method: 250 siblings and parents in 116 families were explored within a multicenterstudy. ADHD and comorbidity were evaluated with K-SADS-PL and DIKJ. Parental ADHD was explored with Wender-Utah-Rating Scale (WURS) and Barkley-Skales. Results: 39% of the children with ADHD had at least one additional comorbid diagnose. Parents of children with a combined subtype did not have higher rates of ADHD. The rate of externalizing disorders was significantly higher in children with a combined subtype. Children with an inattentive subtype were examined to have more internalizing comorbidities and an earlier age of onset.