Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
05:48
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Adjustment to college in students with ADHD
David L Rabiner1, Arthur D Anastopoulos, Jane Costello
1Duke University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Child and Family Policy, Durham, NC 27707, USA. drabiner@duke.edu
Journal of Attention Disorders
|August 23, 2007
Summary
Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) face greater challenges in college adjustment, experiencing more academic concerns and depressive symptoms. ADHD medication did not significantly improve adjustment or reduce symptoms in this study.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Higher Education
Background:
- Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often face unique challenges during the transition to college.
- Understanding college adjustment difficulties and the role of medication is crucial for supporting this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate college adjustment in first-year students diagnosed with ADHD.
- To evaluate the impact of ADHD medication on students' adjustment and symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- A web-based survey was administered to 1,648 first-semester freshmen at two universities.
- 68 students with ADHD were compared to 200 randomly selected control students.
Main Results:
- Students with ADHD reported significantly higher academic concerns and depressive symptoms compared to controls.
- Inattentive symptoms, not hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, explained these adjustment difficulties.
- ADHD medication was not associated with improved college adjustment or reduced ADHD symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The transition to college presents heightened academic and emotional challenges for students with ADHD.
- Current ADHD medication regimens did not demonstrate a significant benefit for college adjustment or symptom management in this cohort.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:38Cognitive Dissonance
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:29Reliability and Validity
Reliability and validity are two important considerations that must be made with any type of data collection. Reliability refers to the ability to consistently produce a given result. In the context of psychological research, this would mean that any instruments or tools used to collect data do so in consistent, reproducible ways.
01:25Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
01:28Adler's Individual Psychology
Alfred Adler, a prominent figure in psychology, founded the school of individual psychology. In contrast to Freud's emphasis on sexual or aggressive motives, Adler suggested that individuals are primarily motivated by their purposes and goals. He believed that people strive for perfection rather than pleasure. Adler argued that individuals could creatively act upon their genetic inheritance and environmental experiences to shape their own lives, emphasizing conscious motivation over unconscious...