Research article summary (published 27 Feb 2006):

Intellectual functioning in adults with ADHD: a meta-analytic examination of full scale IQ differences between adults with and without ADHD.

Full Abstract

Although attention has been given to the intellectual functioning of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relative to their non-ADHD peers, few studies have examined intellectual functioning in adults with ADHD. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine differences in intellectual ability between adults with and without ADHD via a meta-analytic review. Of the 33 studies meeting inclusion criteria, primary analyses focused on 18 studies representing 1,031 adults with ADHD and 928 non-ADHD, nonclinical comparison adults and containing Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS; D. Wechsler, 1955, 1981, 1994) Full Scale IQ scores or estimates. A significant effect was found such that adults with ADHD scored lower than non-ADHD adults on WAIS intelligence tests. However, this difference was small and not clinically meaningful. The presence of several moderators reflecting characteristics of the ADHD samples and study methodology suggested that only a subset of adults with ADHD (e.g., those with comorbid disorders) may experience lower general intellectual ability relative to non-ADHD comparison adults. Implications of the findings for clinical and research settings are presented as well as suggestions for improving methodology and reporting in future research.

Author information

Author/s: Bridgett, David J (DJ); Walker, Michael E (ME);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4820, USA. dave_bridgett(-atsign-)hotmail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Meta-Analysis

Journal: Psychological assessment (Psychol Assess), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Mar; vol 18 (issue 1) : pp 1-14

Dates: Created 2006/04/05; Completed 2006/06/05;

PMID: 16594807, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - epidemiology Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology Female Humans

Humans Intelligence Male Neuropsychological Tests Severity of Illness Index

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