Negativity, anxiety and social withdrawal as predictors of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Predictive ability of anxiety, socialization, self-esteem and negativism for attentional deficiencies and hyperactivity was analyzed, considering firstly a normal population and then individuals with suspected attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 259 children (M= 13.05, SD= 1.92) and 241 girls (M= 12.90, SD= 2.04) have participated in this study. Two groups have been differentiated from the information provided by teachers through the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (DuPaul, Power, Anastopoulos y Reid, 1998). The results show variance explained rates between 33.5%, F(6, 349)= 30.854, p= 008, inattention score and 45.2%, F(3,102)= 29.901, p=.008, combined symptoms. Symptoms of negativism, state anxiety and social withdrawal stand out, as the most relevant variables that tend to increase scores on inattention and impulsivity. The school esteem and consideration to others are the main moderating variables of overactive symptoms.