Research article summary (published 10 Oct 2007):

Discordance between psychometric testing and questionnaire-based definitions of executive function deficits in individuals with ADHD.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: One suspected source of negative outcomes associated with ADHD has been deficits in executive functions. Although both psychometrically defined and self-reported executive function deficits (EFDs) have been shown to be associated with poor academic and occupational outcomes, whether these two approaches define the same individuals remains unknown. METHOD: Participants were 194 adults with ADHD from a case-control study of ADHD. Empirically based cutoffs were ascertained for an EFD diagnosis on both psychometric tests and scores on the Current Behavior Scale. RESULTS: Results showed a modest overlap between the psychometric and self-reported definitions of EFDs. Whereas neuropsychological testing largely identified individuals with lower IQ and achievement testing, the behavioral questionnaire largely identified individuals with higher levels of ADHD symptoms, psychiatric comorbidity, and interpersonal deficits. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that behavioral questionnaires cannot be used interchangeably with neuropsychological testing for the assessment of EFDs in adults with ADHD.

Author information

Author/s: Biederman, Joseph (J); Petty, Carter R (CR); Fried, Ronna (R); Black, Sarah (S); Faneuil, Alicia (A); Doyle, Alysa E (AE); Seidman, Larry J (LJ); Faraone, Stephen V (SV);

Affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jbiederman(-atsign-)partners.org

Grants: R01MH57934 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of attention disorders (J Atten Disord), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jul; vol 12 (issue 1) : pp 92-102

Dates: Created 2008/06/24; Completed 2008/10/21;

PMID: 17934182, 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 - diagnosis; epidemiology Cognition Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Female Humans

Humans Male Neuropsychological Tests Psychometrics Questionnaires Severity of Illness Index

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