Research article summary (published 30 Oct 2007):

Executive function in adolescents with ADHD.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Author information

Author/s: Martel, Michelle (M); Nikolas, Molly (M); Nigg, Joel T (JT);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Laning, 48824-1116, USA.

Grants: F31 MH075533 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS) ; R01-MH63146 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS) ; T32 MH070343 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Nov; vol 46 (issue 11) : pp 1437-44

Dates: Created 2007/11/30; Completed 2008/01/10;

PMID: 18049293, 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.

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

Humans Male Neuropsychological Tests Reaction Time Severity of Illness Index

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