Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2004

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Liz O'Laughlin

Second Advisor

Michael J. Murphy

Third Advisor

Lisa G. Bischoff

Abstract

Current theories hypothesize that deficits in executive :functioning (EF) are responsible for the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and that specific patterns ofEF deficits may be associated with different subtypes of ADHD. Standard assessment practices for ADHD include behavior rating scales filled out by teachers and parents. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a behavior rating scale designed to assess dimensions of executive :functioning. This study evaluated the validity and clinical usefulness of the BRIEF in assessing for ADHD in a • clinic-referred sample of children and adolescents. This study also examined the effectiveness of the BRIEF in discriminating ADHD subtypes. Participants included 70 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 13 referred for assessment of ADHD. Results indicate that select Behavior Regulation subscales differentiated the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Combined Type (ADHD-C) group from the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity-Inattentive Type (ADHD-1) and no-ADHD groups and that select Metacognitive subscales differentiated both ADHD subtypes from the no-ADHD group, thus supporting the clinical utility of this measure in a clinic-referred sample. It is hoped that by extending the validity of the BRIEF, practitioners will be able to more accurately diagnose ADHD and improve treatment effectiveness by targeting specific executive function deficits that may impair a child's :functioning.

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