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Published on: April 1, 2018
Executive functioning in high-IQ adults with ADHD
K M Antshel1, S V Faraone, K Maglione
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
High-IQ adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show deficits in executive functioning tests. However, performance on these tests predicts real-world functioning for all participants.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Executive functions are complex cognitive processes crucial for goal-directed behavior.
- High-IQ adults with ADHD may present with subtle executive function deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between executive functioning test performance and real-world functional outcomes.
- To compare executive functioning in high-IQ adults with and without ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of high-IQ adults, including those with ADHD (n=64) and without ADHD (n=53), were assessed.
- Neuropsychological tests measuring various executive functions were administered to all participants.
Main Results:
- High-IQ adults with ADHD demonstrated poorer performance on several executive functioning tests compared to controls.
- Despite group differences, the overall test performance within the high-IQ adult ADHD group was within the average range.
- Performance on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) significantly predicted real-world functioning across the entire sample.
Conclusions:
- High-IQ adults with ADHD exhibit executive functioning impairments relative to their non-ADHD peers.
- Executive functioning test results are significant predictors of functional outcomes in adults, irrespective of ADHD status.
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