Hyperkinetic Disorder in Psychiatric Clinic Attenders

Abstract
Boys aged 5-11 yr (68) referred to a child psychiatric clinic were studied to determine the validity of a broadly-based concept of hyperkinetic syndrome, as generally employed in the USA. Hyperactivity was measured on the Conners'' Teacher Questionnaire, the Conners'' Parent Questionnaire and by systematic time-sampled observations of each child''s behavior during psychological testing. There were low and statistically insignificant correlations between these different measures of hyperkinesis. Overactivity correlated highly with conduct disturbance. Psychiatrically abnormal children with and without hyperkinesis were compared on cognitive functioning, perinatal history, neurological examination, congenital anomalies and psycho-social circumstances. Few differences were found, and there was no evidence for the validity of a broad concept of hyperkinetic syndrome. A small number of children were found who were overactive in all situations studied. These children had a variety of clinical diagnoses but differed significantly from their peers (matched for age, IQ and diagnosis) with respect to neurological anomalies, erratic responses on the Matching Familiar Figures Test, and early onset of hyperkinesis. This less common clinical picture of hyperkinesis may have some validity, but it remains uncertain whether it constitutes a distinct syndrome or rather a constitutional risk factor.

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