Functional impairments in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and emotional dysregulation subgroups: A latent profile analysis in a large cohort of 13,207 children and adolescents

Abstract

Background and objectives

The co-occurrence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and emotional dysregulation is highly prevalent. This study aims to explore potential subgroups within child and adolescent cohorts concerning ADHD symptoms and emotional dysregulation.

Methods

The sample comprised 13,207 children and adolescents aged 4–16 years diagnosed with ADHD recruited from outpatient services at the Beijing Children's Hospital. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify subgroups based on ADHD symptoms and emotional dysregulation across different age groups (children, 4–9 years, vs. adolescents, 10–16 years). Furthermore, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to compare differences in behavioral problems, cognitive impairments, and social dysfunctions among these subgroups.

Results

We identified four distinct latent subgroups in children and three in adolescents. Significant differences in behavioral problems, cognitive impairments, and social dysfunctions were observed across these subgroups in both cohorts. Subgroups with high levels of ADHD symptoms and emotional dysregulation exhibited more severe functional impairments across both age groups.

Conclusions

This study highlights developmental variations in the relationship between ADHD symptoms and emotional dysregulation, underscoring the need for tailored interventions based on age-specific profiles.