Behavioral problems and executive functioning characteristics in children with borderline intellectual functioning and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the behavioral problems,intellectual ability and executive functioning characteristics as well as their correlations in children with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Methods 60 children with BIF,60 children with ADHD and 60 typical developing children (TDC) participated this study.Parental report measures of behavioral problems were administrated using the Conners' Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) and Achenbach Children Behavior Checklist Scale (CBCL).All the participants performed the Chinese Revised Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC) and a neuropsychological test named integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT).Comparison of cognitive profiles and correlation between psychological features were carried out to test the differences and commons among the groups.Results (1) Behavioral problems:the children with BIF had higher scores(3.68±2.85) in withdrawal factor than the children with ADHD (2.82±2.24) and TDC (1.03± 1.59).The children with ADHD had higher scores in conduct,impulsivity,aggressive and delinquent behavior than the children with BIF and TDC.The children with BIF/ADHD had higher scores in learning,anxiety,depression,somatic complaint and hyperactivity than the TDC.(2) Executive functioning:the children with BIF had more visual omission error (12.17± 10.48) than the children with ADHD (6.95±7.20) and TDC (2.33±2.48).The children with BIF and ADHD had lower auditory accuracy and higher visual reaction time,visual/auditory response variability,visual/auditory misrepresentation and auditory omission numbers than the TDC.These was no group difference in auditory reaction time.(3) Correlation analysis:intellectual ability was correlated with behavior problems and neurophysiological index such as conduct,learning,impulsivity,anxiety,depression factors,visual/auditory accuracy,visual reaction time and visual/auditory response variability.Conclusion BIF and ADHD are associated with poor executive functioning and increased behavior problems.The cognitive deficit may be a marker of vulnerability of poor academic and social outcomes in children with BIF and/or ADHD.