The relationship between symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder with soldier performance during training

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: During interviews with Health Care Specialist military cadre, instructors voiced concern that symptoms associated with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (SoADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (SoODD) were interfering with soldiers' ability to complete training. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between SoADHD and SoODD with soldiers' grade point average (GPA), Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) scores, and musculoskeletal injuries during Health Care Specialist (HCS) Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

METHOD: Participants included 122 soldiers attending HCS training. Participants completed a demographic survey and Barkley and Murphy's ADHD and ODD self-report symptom surveys. Their ADHD and ODD self-report scores were correlated with course performance metrics at the conclusion of their 16 weeks of training.

RESULTS: Pearson Correlation Coefficients revealed a significant negative relationship between ratings on the Oppositional Defiant Disorder scale with soldiers' GPA (p < 0.05), however the relationship was weak – accounting for 4% of the variance. No significant findings were noted between SoADHD and GPA, nor were significant relationships found between SoADHD or SoODD with APFT scores or musculoskeletal injuries.

CONCLUSION: Symptoms associated with ADHD and ODD had little impact on the academic and physical performance of soldiers attending HCS training. Implications and future research are explored, in this article.