Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and callous-unemotional traits as moderators of conduct problems when examining impairment in emerging adults. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Babinski, Dara E.; Neely, Kristina A.; Kunselman, Allen; Waschbusch, Daniel A.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 258(2017)
• Page Start: 525
• Page End: 530
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits as moderators of the association between conduct problems (CP) and young adult functioning. Young adults ( n = 283; M age = 20.82 years; 53.4% female), oversampled for attention and behavior problems, provided self-ratings of ADHD, CP, and CU, and adaptive functioning and psychopathology. ADHD and CU simultaneously moderated relationships between CP and family functioning, tobacco use, and internalizing symptoms. In addition, ADHD moderated the relation between CP and job functioning, and main effects of ADHD in the expected direction were found for educational performance and drug use. CU was associated with poorer educational outcomes. Interestingly, no ADHD, CU, or CP effects were observed for reported alcohol use. Our results highlight the importance of considering ADHD and CU in understanding the impact of CP on young adult functioning and psychopathology, and point to the importance of continued work on this topic. Highlights: This is one of the first studies to examine ADHD and CU as moderators of CP in young adults. Effects of CP, ADHD and CU emerged in most areas except alcohol use. ADHDxCPxCU effects emerged for family functioning, tobacco use, and internalizing symptoms. Effects of ADHD, CU, or CP effects were not observed for reported alcohol use. Future work must consider ADHD and CU as moderators on CP in young adults.