Factor Structure of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms for Children Age 3 to 5 Years

Abstract

The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) distinguishes two dimensions of symptoms, inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity for ages 3 to adulthood. Currently, no separate classification for preschool-age children exists, whereas preliminary research suggests that the two-factor structure of ADHD may not match the presentation of symptoms in a preschool sample. The present study explored this incongruity by examining the factor structure of the 18 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev; DSM-IV-TR) ADHD symptoms on the ADHD-Rating Scale-IV–Preschool Version within a normative preschool sample (n = 976). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed on results from teacher and parent ratings. The findings indicate a three-factor model, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, for the presentation of ADHD in preschoolers based on both parent and teacher report data.