Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and its relation to social skills and leadership evaluated with an evaluation system of the behavior of children and adolescents (BASC)

Abstract

Introduction. Numerous studies have documented that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show a low social competence.

Objective. To compare the symptomatic severity of ADHD, as well as associations to different subtypes, sex and comorbidities, with social functioning (“ability” and “leadership”) estimated through a Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) for parents and teachers.

Patients and methods. We have retrospectively analyzed 170 patients with ADHD, diagnosed between 2007 and 2010. Social “ability,” “leadership,” “hyperactivity” and “attentiondeficit” sections of BASC and cardinal symptoms of ADHD measured through a Spanish scale for de evaluation of DHD (E-DHD) were registered. Results of these variables are analyzed according to the normative data by age and sex, and processed in Z values.

Results. The ratings for social skills were significantly lower in patients with conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder as informed by parents (p<0.05). Symptomatic intensity of ADHD showed significant (p<0,001) and inverse relation with social “ability” as parents. “Attention-deficit” scores were related with social “ability” and “leadership” as parents and teachers.

Conclusions. Intensity of attention deficit was the only variable that showed a significant relation with the social skills and leadership according to the BASC scores, independently of the inform.