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Executive function in adolescents with ADHD
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Executive function in adolescents with ADHD

Michelle Martel, Molly Nikolas and Joel T Nigg
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Vol.46(11), pp.1437-1444
11/2007
DOI: 10.1097/chi.0b013e31814cf953
PMID: 18049293

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to clarify executive function weakness in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during adolescence and determine the specificity of executive function weakness to ADHD symptom domains. A total of 182 adolescents (105 boys), ages 13 to 17 years, completed a multistage diagnostic assessment; 85 were diagnosed with ADHD: 43 primarily Inattentive type (ADHD-PI) and 42 Combined type (ADHD-C). Participants completed the Stop, Trail Making, Wisconsin Card Sort, and Stroop tasks. The ADHD group exhibited impaired performance compared with the non-ADHD group on executive function measures (multivariate p < .05); there were no ADHD subtype differences. A composite executive function factor was significantly related to inattentive but not hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Executive function weakness in adolescent ADHD is specifically related to symptoms of inattention-disorganization. Results are congruent with a dual-pathway model of ADHD cognitive mechanisms.
 Adolescent Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - epidemiology Cognition Disorders - diagnosis Cognition Disorders - epidemiology Female Humans Male Neuropsychological Tests Reaction Time Severity of Illness Index

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