The 'hyperactive syndrome' in kindergarten children: comparison of children with pervasive and situational symptoms.

Three groups of kindergarten-aged children referred for hyperactivity who varied with regard to symptom pervasiveness were compared to each other and to normal controls on a variety of biological, psychological and behavioural variables. The findings yielded only partial support for those of other studies addressing this issue. Biological and psychological test data did not differentiate the various groups of children. The clearest differentiation between groups emerged when children were observed directly. The findings are discussed with respect to the usefulness of the distinction of pervasive and situational symptomatology and the problems of diagnosis with children in this age group.