The role of inattention and social perception and performance in two subtypes of ADHD

This study evaluated the social perception and social functioning of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Combined (ADHD-C), ADHD-predominately inattentive (ADHD-PI), and controls. Two-hundred and seventy children with ADHD-C, ADHD-PI, or controls were evaluated using direct and indirect measures of social functioning. The ADHD-C and ADHD-PI groups showed significant differences in interpretation of emotional and nonverbal cues on a direct measure of social perception compared with controls. The number of inattentive symptoms was significantly related to poor performance for interpretation of both emotional and nonverbal cues, whereas hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms showed a less robust relation. Children with ADHD-C were rated by parents and teachers as showing significant problems with social performance and problem behaviors compared with those with ADHD-PI or with controls. These findings show a link between inattention and social perception that is separate from impulsivity difficulties. These findings have important implications for treatment.