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Published on: April 1, 2018
Executive function impairments in high IQ adults with ADHD.
Thomas E Brown1, Philipp C Reichel, Donald M Quinlan
1Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders, New Haven, CT, USA.
High IQ adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently experience executive function (EF) impairments. These deficits are identifiable using standardized tests and self-reports, and are more common than in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with executive function (EF) deficits.
- The impact of ADHD on EF in high-intelligence adults requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if high IQ adults diagnosed with ADHD exhibit executive function impairments.
- To assess if these impairments are identifiable through standardized measures and self-report data.
- To compare the prevalence of EF impairments in this group to the general population.
Main Methods:
- 157 adults with ADHD and IQ >/= 120 were evaluated.
- A combination of 8 normed measures of EF was used, including standardized cognitive tests and self-report scales.
- Data on memory, cognitive abilities, and daily-life EF impairments were collected.
Main Results:
- 73% of participants showed significant impairments on at least 5 of the 8 EF markers.
- The incidence of EF impairments was significantly higher in the ADHD group compared to the general population across all 8 measures.
- Standardized tests and self-report data effectively identified these executive function deficits.
Conclusions:
- High IQ adults with ADHD commonly experience executive function impairments.
- These impairments can be reliably assessed using a combination of standardized and self-report measures.
- The prevalence of executive function deficits is significantly elevated in high IQ adults with ADHD compared to the general population.
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