Cognitive versus behavioral ADHD phenotype: what is it all about?

The ADHD PASS assessment is discussed. 100 combined and 50 inattentive ADHD patients with DSM IV - TR criteria, no comorbidity, and no previous treatment were enrolled. Those with SNAP-IV> or =2.5/1.8 (teacher/parents) [n=96] were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: Concerta, humanistic psychology, and Concerta+psychology. Those with SNAP-IV<2.5/1.8 [n=54] to 1 of 2 groups: Concerta and Concerta+psychology. All of them [n=150] we administered the SNAP-IV and cognitive DN:CAS battery at baseline and 6 and 12 months later. Cluster analysis and paired Student t-test were applied. The cluster analysis produced three cognitive profiles: one [n=96] with planning dysfunction and SNAP-IV> or =2.5/1.8, the majority [n=76] combined ADHD; another [n=38] with successive processing dysfunction and SNAP-IV<2.5/1.8, the majority [n=28] inattentive ADHD; and another [n=16] without cognitive dysfunction and with SNAP-IV<2.5/1.8, [n=8] combined and [n=8] inattentive. Only planning ameliorated at 12 months assessment. It was better in group 3 (p<0.1) than in group 1 (p<0.5), than in group 2 (p<0.4/0.3). Remission was parallel to planning improvement, group 3>group 1> group 2. PASS assessment in ADHD may be relevant.