Inhibition and executive functioning in Type A and ADHD boys

Lilianne Nyberg¹, Gunilla Bohlin, Lisa Berlin

¹Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden. lilianne.nyberg@psyk.uu.se

|November 25, 2003

Summary

Type A behavior in boys differs from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), particularly in executive functioning. While both groups show impatience, Type A boys outperform ADHD peers on cognitive tasks.

Area of Science:

Child Psychology
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Behavioral Science

Background:

Type A behavior is characterized by time-urgency and impatience.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) involves deficits in executive functioning and inhibitory control.
The relationship between Type A behavior and ADHD requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

To differentiate Type A behavior from ADHD using measures of executive functioning and inhibitory control.
To compare behavioral and cognitive performance between boys with Type A behavior, Type B behavior, and ADHD.

Main Methods:

Behavioral observations and performance tasks were used to assess 20 Type A boys, 21 Type B boys, and 14 boys with ADHD (ages 7-12).
Measures included response latency, reaction time, Go/no-go omissions, time reproduction, story recall, and memory for hand movements.
Inhibitory control and executive functioning were key areas of assessment.

Main Results:

Type A boys differed from Type B boys in response latency and reaction time, supporting the concept of time-urgency.
Type A boys outperformed ADHD boys on tasks assessing executive functioning (e.g., Go/no-go omissions, memory).
Similarities were observed between Type A and ADHD boys in response latency and reaction time, suggesting shared impatience.

Conclusions:

Type A behavior and ADHD are distinct, with Type A individuals not exhibiting the executive functioning deficits common in ADHD.
Impatience appears to be an overlapping characteristic, but underlying mechanisms likely differ.
Future research should explore the differing origins of similar overt behaviors in Type A and ADHD.

Related Experiment Videos

Inhibition and executive functioning in Type A and ADHD boys

Related Concept Videos

Temperament and Cognitive Regulation During the First 3 Years of Life as Predictors of Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity at 6 Years.

Do Individual Differences in Early Affective and Cognitive Self-Regulation Predict Developmental Change in ADHD Symptoms From Preschool to Adolescence?

The role of sustained attention, maternal sensitivity, and infant temperament in the development of early self-regulation.

Neuropsychological Functioning and Attachment Representations in Early School Age as Predictors of ADHD Symptoms in Late Adolescence.

Prior participation in the strange situation and overstress jointly facilitate disorganized behaviours: implications for theory, research and practice.

Is middle childhood attachment related to social functioning in young adulthood?

Anterior cingulate cortex alterations in children and adolescents with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder: a systematic review of neuroimaging studies.

Structural validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ, educator version) in Swedish preschool.

Assessment and treatment of negative symptoms in psychotic disorders - a national clinical guideline.

Drivers with psychotic disorders: the last inpatient or specialized outpatient care prior to a motor vehicle accident death.

Differences between early-diagnosed and late-diagnosed ADHD: a follow-up study of former adolescent psychiatric inpatients.

Real-world comparison of one- versus two-injection start regimens of aripiprazole once-monthly in bipolar disorder: implications for relapse-related outcomes.

Related Experiment Videos

Inhibition and executive functioning in Type A and ADHD boys

Area of Science:

Background:

Purpose of the Study:

Main Methods:

Main Results:

Conclusions:

Related Concept Videos

Related Articles