Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Neuropsychological profile and study of its impact on executive functions...

The aim of the study was to describe the neuropsychological profile of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the impact of the disorder on executive functioning and academic performance.

We conducted a retrospective observational and analytical study. The sample consisted of 24 children with a diagnosis of ADHD (aged 6-15 years) without pharmacological treatment and 24 controls without ADHD (aged 7-15 years). A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation was carried out, encompassing major cognitive domains, in addition to assessment of executive functioning and psychopathological symptoms through the administration of questionnaires to parents and teachers.

The cognitive profile of the ADHD group was characterized by overall scores (including executive functions and academic abilities) in the normal range (z scores between -1 and 1), although significantly lower compared to the control group. Over half of the patients with ADHD (58%) had associated specific learning disorders. Furthermore, teachers tended to report executive function difficulties more frequently in male students.

In the study sample, the group of patients with ADHD exhibited cognitive performance within the normal range, although with lower scores compared to controls. Behavioural rating scales provide valuable information about functioning outside the clinic, but may yield biased results on account of the focus on externalising symptoms. The neuropsychological evaluation is a useful tool that can facilitate the diagnosis of ADHD and an effective response to the needs and characteristics of patients and families.