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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Executive function in adolescents with ADHD
Michelle Martel1, Molly Nikolas, Joel T Nigg
1Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Laning, 48824-1116, USA.
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.
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