The identification of pervasive hyperactivity: is clinic observation necessary?

Three groups of hyperactive children (clinic observed, reported and situational) and a normal control group were compared on measures of behavioural, developmental and cognitive functioning. The clinic observed and reported groups did not differ significantly on any of the dependent variables. Situationally hyperactive children were less active, and had fewer behavioural and social difficulties than children with pervasive hyperactivity. Normal control subjects were distinguished by their better academic and social performance, and the absence of behaviour problems, language delay and hearing concerns. The data support the distinction between pervasive and situational hyperactivity, but not the separation of pervasive hyperactivity into clinic observable and reported hyperactivity.