Symptom Presentation in ADHD and Its Association with Inhibitory Control

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2014-01-21

Authors

Loris, Colin Patrick

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Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been associated with problems in executive functioning (EF). However, subtype difference in EF may exist between the inattentive type of ADHD and the hyperactive/impulsive and combined types of ADHD. As small number of studies, in fact, have found that inhibitory control is more strongly related to symptoms of inattention than symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, suggesting that children with the inattentive type of ADHD may have more deficits in inhibition. The D-KEFS Color Word Interference Test (CWIT) was administered to 35 children, ages 8-17 years, diagnosed previously with ADHD, to examine possible differences in inhibition between a Predominantly Inattentive group and a Combined group (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined types). Both ADHD group means on the CWIT were within normal limits. Results from a MANOVA showed no differences between groups on the CWIT, except for the word reading condition (Condition 2). Analysis of the CWIT and symptoms of inattention from the Conners Parent Rating Scale-Revised showed no significant relationship between performance on the CWIT and parent report of inattentive behaviors. Contrary to the hypotheses, this study did not provide evidence that children in the Predominantly Inattentive group display more deficits in inhibition than children in the Combined group, or that deficits in inhibition are related to inattentive behaviors.

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