Neurocognitive Profiles of Early Adulthood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder impacting individuals into adulthood.
• Understanding the specific neurocognitive deficits associated with adult ADHD is crucial for effective diagnosis and intervention.
• The Korean version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th Edition (K-WAIS-IV) and the Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT-3) are established tools for assessing cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neurocognitive profiles of early adulthood ADHD patients.
• To examine the relationship between intelligence subindex scores from the K-WAIS-IV and performance on the CPT-3.
• To determine the predictive utility of K-WAIS-IV subscores for ADHD-related performance on the CPT-3.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of early adulthood ADHD patients (N=105 for K-WAIS-IV, N=68 for CPT-3) was assessed.
• Paired t-tests were used to compare intelligence subindex scores from the K-WAIS-IV.
• Pearson's correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationship between K-WAIS-IV and CPT-3 scores.

Main Results:

• Working Memory Index scores were significantly lower than Verbal Comprehension Index scores.
• Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores were significantly lower than all other K-WAIS-IV subindex scores.
• Significant negative correlations were observed between all K-WAIS-IV subindex scores and various CPT-3 measures, including errors and reaction time variability.

Conclusions:

• The Processing Speed Index (PSI) of the K-WAIS-IV is a significant neurocognitive correlate in early adulthood ADHD.
• The K-WAIS-IV PSI, when used in conjunction with the CPT-3, shows promise as a predictive measure for ADHD in young adults.
• These findings underscore the importance of assessing processing speed in the comprehensive evaluation of adult ADHD.