Neurocognitive function in attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder with and without comorbid disruptive behaviour disorders

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) on (i) symptom levels in attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and (ii) the relationship between neurocognitive impairment and ADHD symptom severity. Method: A total of 200 6-12-year-old children with DSM-IV ADHD, combined type (ADHD-CT) were identified in a specialist ADHD clinic in metropolitan Melbourne. From this initial group, 23 were identified with ADHD without ODD/CD (ADHD alone), 22 had ADHD and ODD and 20 had ADHD and CD. All the children were medication naive. Twenty-five healthy control children were also recruited from local primar..