Relationship between WISC-R subtests and psychiatric symptom groups in attention and learning disorders

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or learning disorder (LD), we aimed to investigate the differentiating capacity of several instruments including Weschler Intelligence Tests (WISC-R) and Learning Disorder Battery. Materials and Methods: The children (72-131 mo.) that where diagnosed with ADHD and/or LD (total n: 81, boy n: 63 [77.8%]) were included. While the children were tested, active symptoms were remitted in a part of children (Clinical Global Impression below 3). Therefore, participants' active diagnoses were ADHD: 11, LD: 33, both: 15, or remitted: 22, and the children were grouped accordingly. Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and LD Battery were used. Results: The cases with LD (LD plus both) had significantly worse scores in all tests of LD Battery except for "duration of reading" and all subscores of WISC-R except for "similarities" compared to the cases without LD. The cases with ADHD (ADHD plus both) had significantly worse scores only in "draw a clock" of LD Battery and "cipher" of WISC-R compared to the cases without ADHD. Conclusion: WISC-R and LD Battery are valid and reliable instruments to differentiate several interrelated disorders (LD, ADHD, and/or both) and they have a good predictive validity to differentiate the cases that respond well to the treatments.