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Executive functioning and olfactory identification in young adults with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
K R Murphy1, R A Barkley, T Bush
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655, USA.
Neuropsychology
|April 28, 2001
Summary
Young adults with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show significant executive function deficits, persisting from childhood. These impairments are largely independent of comorbidities but may be linked to lower intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Executive function deficits are a hallmark of ADHD, often persisting into adulthood.
- The influence of comorbidities and intelligence on these deficits requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare executive function and olfactory identification in young adults with and without ADHD.
- To examine the impact of sex, ADHD subtype, and comorbidities on executive function.
- To determine the role of intelligence in observed group differences.
Main Methods:
- A 2 (group: ADHD vs. control) x 2 (sex) design was employed.
- 105 young adults with ADHD and 64 controls were assessed on 14 measures.
- Measures included executive function tasks and olfactory identification tests.
Main Results:
- The ADHD group performed significantly worse on 11 of 14 measures.
- No significant Group x Sex interactions were observed.
- Executive function deficits persisted after controlling for IQ, particularly in inhibition and nonverbal working memory.
Conclusions:
- Executive function deficits characteristic of childhood ADHD are present in young adulthood.
- These deficits are largely unaffected by common comorbidities like oppositional defiant disorder or depression.
- Lower intelligence may contribute to some, but not all, executive function impairments in ADHD.