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Does IQ Influence Association Between Working Memory and ADHD Symptoms in Young Adults?
Pedro San Martin Soares1, Paula Duarte de Oliveira1, Fernando César Wehrmeister1
1Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|November 15, 2021
Summary
Working memory is linked to fewer inattention symptoms in young adults. However, the relationship between working memory and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms of ADHD is influenced by IQ.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Working Memory (WM) deficits are frequently observed in individuals with ADHD.
- The interplay between WM, ADHD symptoms, and cognitive factors like IQ requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between working memory and ADHD symptoms in young adults.
- To determine if IQ moderates the relationship between working memory and ADHD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study (N=2,845).
- Assessment of working memory and ADHD symptoms at age 22.
- Evaluation of IQ at age 18.
- Utilized Poisson regression with robust variance to examine associations and IQ's modifying effect.
Main Results:
- A significant negative association was found between working memory and inattention symptoms.
- The association between working memory and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms was moderated by IQ.
Conclusions:
- Findings offer novel insights into the theoretical underpinnings of the WM-ADHD relationship.
- Results may inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance WM performance in ADHD populations.
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