[Gender differences in self-descriptions of child psychopathology in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]

Nervenarzt. 2007 Sep;78(9):1046-51. doi: 10.1007/s00115-006-2242-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults requires retrospective assessment of ADHD symptoms in childhood. The Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and its German validated version (WURS-k) may offer a helpful tool to acertain relevant childhood problems associated with ADHD. Up to now validating data of the WURS-k were limited to male population. In a population of 69 female adult ADHD patients and 97 controls, ROC analysis indicated a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 92% at a cut-off of 30 points in the WURS-k. This cut-off value is equivalent to those of males. Symptom report varies significantly by gender and females describe more internalizing problems while males report more externalizing behaviour. Regarding different subtypes according to DSM-IV males and females did not differ in the items of the WURS-k.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory / standards
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity