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Impulsivity and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder: Subtype Classification Using the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale

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Abstract

This study examined the classification accuracy of the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS) in discriminating several attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes, including predominantly inattentive type (ADHD/I), combined type (ADHD/C), and combined type with behavioral problems (ADHD/ODD), between each other and a non-ADHD control group using logistic regression analyses. The sample consisted of 88 children ranging in age from 9.0 years to 12.8 years, with a mean of 10.9 years. Children were predominantly male (74%) and Caucasian (86%) and in grades 3–7. Results indicated that the UPPS performed well in classifying ADHD subtypes relative to traditional diagnostic measures. In addition, analyses indicated that differences in symptoms between subtypes can be explained by specific pathways to impulsivity. Implications for the assessment of ADHD and conceptual issues are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants DA021027 and DA005312 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA

    Drew J. Miller & Donald R. Lynam

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

    Karen J. Derefinko, Richard Milich & Mark T. Fillmore

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  1. Drew J. Miller
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  2. Karen J. Derefinko
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  3. Donald R. Lynam
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Correspondence to Drew J. Miller.

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Miller, D.J., Derefinko, K.J., Lynam, D.R. et al. Impulsivity and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder: Subtype Classification Using the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 32, 323–332 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-009-9155-z

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