Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
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J Dev Behav Pediatr · Oct 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyRacial differences in parental reports of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder behaviors.
Accurate assessment of racial disparities in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) depends on measurement that is equally valid for all groups. This study examines differences among African American and white children in ADHD measurement with a widely used parental report instrument, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC). ⋯ Perceptions of ADHD-related symptoms among parents of African American children appear to differ in important ways from those of parents of white children, and screening instruments relying on parent report may yield different results for African American and white children with similar underlying treatment needs. Gathering information from additional sources including teachers and school counselors can provide a more complete picture of the behavioral functioning and therapeutic needs of children in all race/ethnic groups.