Fresh data on mental health are presented in the report 'Behavioral approach in ADHD: testing a motivational dysfunction hypothesis.' 'Etiological models of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increasingly support the role of a motivational dysfunction pathway, particularly for hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Overactive behavioral approach tendencies are implicated among these motivational accounts,' scientists in the United States report (see also Mental Health).
'However, other externalizing disorder symptoms, such as the psychopathy dimension, are also associated with behavioral approach and frequently co-occur with ADHD. The current study tested the hypothesis that behavioral approach is differentially associated with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD and psychopathy symptoms. A sample of young adults (n=220) completed self-report measures assessing behavioral approach and inhibition, ADHD symptoms, and psychopathy symptoms. Structural equation analyses supported the hypothesis that behavioral approach predicts hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms while considering symptom overlap with psychopathy symptoms. These findings support motivational accounts that behavioral approach tendencies are predictive of ADHD symptoms and address concerns about externalizing comorbidity,' wrote J.T Mitchell and colleagues, University of North Carolina.
The researchers concluded: 'Implications for ADHD etiology are discussed.'
Mitchell and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Attention Disorders (Behavioral approach in ADHD: testing a motivational dysfunction hypothesis. Journal of Attention Disorders, 2010;13(6):609-17).
For more information, contact J.T. Mitchell, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 USA.
Publisher contact information for the Journal of Attention Disorders is: SAGE Publications, USA , 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
Keywords: City:Greensboro, State:NC, Country:United States, Mental Health.
This article was prepared by Mental Health Weekly Digest editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Mental Health Weekly Digest via NewsRx.com.
