[Auditory processing disorder versus attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A dysfunction complex or different entities?].

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that auditory processing disorders (APD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) may be the same entity with slightly differing symptoms. For testing this theory we compared parents' ratings of APD and ADHD behavioural characteristics.
METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out with parents rating 312 children (113 girls and 199 boys; 6.0-9.11 years old, nonverbal intelligence IQ 95 or above) using APD and ADHD questionnaires.
RESULTS: Significant, albeit weak correlations between several APD and ADHD subscale scores were found. Correlations between selective listening and attention behaviours approximated clinical relevance (rho >0.4). Factor analysis revealed two factors with APD behaviour loading on one and ADHD behaviour on a second different factor. Using a categorical approach, it appears that ADHD children have significantly more APD problems than children without ADHD. DISCUSSION: These data are consistent with the hypothesis that APD and ADHD overlap partly while still being distinct entities. In addition to dimensional aspects, the parents' rating may provide a guideline for establishing a diagnosis based on categorical distinctions.