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Callous-unemotional traits in Chinese preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Jinsong Zhang1,2, Wei Li3,4, Huifeng Zhang3,4

  • 1Department of Medical Psychology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China. zhangjinsong@xinhuamed.com.cn.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
|July 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Early identification of Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits in preschool children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is crucial. These traits are associated with increased behavioral problems and can be a valuable diagnostic tool for ADHD.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Early onset of Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits in children increases risk for persistent psychosocial problems.
  • Understanding CU traits in preschool children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is essential for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the characteristics of CU traits in preschool children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • To determine the diagnostic significance of CU traits in ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • 176 preschool children (4-5 years old) were assessed: 89 with ADHD and 87 typically developing children (TDC).
  • Participants underwent assessments for CU traits, emotional/behavioral problems, and executive functioning.
  • Multiple linear regression analyzed the incremental validity of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in ICU scores were found between ADHD and TDC groups (P < 0.001).
  • ADHD+ODD and ADHD-only groups showed significantly higher callousness scores than TDC (P < 0.001).
  • ICU scores correlated negatively with prosocial behavior and positively with emotional/behavioral problems and executive function (P < 0.05). ICU explained 6% incremental validity in ADHD symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification of CU traits aids clinicians in understanding ADHD symptoms and behavioral issues.
  • CU traits demonstrate potential as a valuable assessment tool for ADHD in preschool children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Attention-deficit hyperactivity-disorderCallous-unemotional traitsChinese preschool childrenConduct problems

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