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. Copyright 2007
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1437-1444 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Executive function
- Subtype
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health