Abstract
DSM-IV distinguishes two symptom domains of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
The present study examines the aetiologies and developmental relations underlying the associations between inattentiveness
and hyperactivity-impulsivity over time, based on a representative population sample from the United Kingdom of approximately
7,000 twin pairs. ADHD symptoms were assessed as continuous dimensions using the DSM-IV items from the Conners’ Parent Rating
Scale at two ages: middle childhood (age 1) and early adolescence (age 2). Quantitative genetic cross-lagged analyses showed
that the association of the ADHD dimensions over time is influenced by stable as well as newly developing genetic factors.
Moreover the longitudinal relationship between the ADHD dimensions appears to be unidirectional, with hyperactivity-impulsivity
in middle childhood predicting the presence of inattentiveness in early adolescence, but not vice versa. Thus, hyperactivity-impulsivity
may serve to exacerbate inattentiveness over time. Findings are discussed in the context of developmental changes in ADHD
symptoms.
The present study examines the aetiologies and developmental relations underlying the associations between inattentiveness
and hyperactivity-impulsivity over time, based on a representative population sample from the United Kingdom of approximately
7,000 twin pairs. ADHD symptoms were assessed as continuous dimensions using the DSM-IV items from the Conners’ Parent Rating
Scale at two ages: middle childhood (age 1) and early adolescence (age 2). Quantitative genetic cross-lagged analyses showed
that the association of the ADHD dimensions over time is influenced by stable as well as newly developing genetic factors.
Moreover the longitudinal relationship between the ADHD dimensions appears to be unidirectional, with hyperactivity-impulsivity
in middle childhood predicting the presence of inattentiveness in early adolescence, but not vice versa. Thus, hyperactivity-impulsivity
may serve to exacerbate inattentiveness over time. Findings are discussed in the context of developmental changes in ADHD
symptoms.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10802-011-9513-7
- Authors
- Corina U. Greven, King’s College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Philip Asherson, King’s College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Frühling V. Rijsdijk, King’s College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Robert Plomin, King’s College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF UK
- Journal Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2835
- Print ISSN 0091-0627