Abstract
Objective:
To test Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scales discriminative properties for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) subtypes and to determine relations with age and gender variables of a clinical group of children with ADHD.
Method:
Parents and teachers of 105 children aged 6-11, diagnosed as ADHD, were administered Conners Parent Rating Scales and Conners Teacher Rating Scales, respectively. Conners sub-scale scores were analysed in terms of age, gender, ADHD subtypes and comorbid diagnostic effects. Conners sub-scale discriminative properties were also evaluated.
Results:
There were no age main effects or age and gender interaction effects for any of the Conners' sub-scales. Girls scored significantly higher on the attention deficit sub-scale of the teacher ratings. Attention deficit sub-scale of Conners Teacher Rating Scale discriminated between the three subtypes of ADHD. Conners Parent Rating Scales could discriminate clinical groups with comorbid Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD).
Discussion:
Conners Rating Scales are effective in discriminating ADHD subtypes but with some limitations. The discriminative power of teachers’ attention deficit ratings for ADHD subtypes seemed to stem from teachers’ opportunity to observe children objectively during classwork. Parents perceived their children with ODD and CD comorbidity to be more hyperactive and inattentive possibly due to a halo effect.
Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Conners Parent Rating Scale, Conners Teacher Rating Scale
