Personality in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using the Rorschach inkblot test

Abstract

This is a research with the use of Rorschach technique for studying personality of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The sample was composed by 48 male and female children, age ranging from 6 to 11, distributed in two groups: Group 1 composed by 24 children clinically and neuropsychologically diagnosed as having ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive); Group 2 formed by 24 children whose personality functioning was considered normal. It was used t-Test for independent samples, with significance level ≤ 0.05. The results pointed out in Group 1 high level of impulsivity, difficulty concerning general control of personality, less use of reason to control, modulation failure and controlling affection and emotional aspects, impairment related to organization, analysis and synthesis skills, difficulty in objective perception of reality, in systematization skills and objectiveness. Group 1 present higher anxiety level and a lower capacity to introspection and thinking than Group 2.