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Is there a Syndrome of Pure Hyperactivity?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Gerald J. August  and
Mark A. Stewart
Gerald J. August
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550
Mark A. Stewart
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
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Summary

A comparison of hyperactive boys with and without associated conduct disorder was made to determine the validity of a narrowly defined concept of pure hyperactivity. Although clinical differences between the two sub-groups supported the diagnostic distinction, few differences appeared with respect to various possibly causal background factors. A small group of boys with pure hyperactivity was separated, however, on the basis of subnormal IQ scores. In contrast to the hyperactive boys with normal IQ, these boys showed a more serious history of developmental disturbances which appeared to be linked to organicity. It was concluded that pure hyperactivity is an elusive concept and probably defines a heterogeneous group of children whose primary problems are cognitive in nature.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 140 , Issue 3 , March 1982 , pp. 305 - 311
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1982 

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