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Yang Y, Yang B, Zhang L, Peng G, Fang D. Dynamic Functional Connectivity Reveals Abnormal Variability in the Amygdala Subregions of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:648143. [PMID: 34658751 PMCID: PMC8514188 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.648143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigates whether the dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of the amygdala subregions is altered in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The dFC of the amygdala subregions was systematically calculated using a sliding time window method, for 75 children with ADHD and 20 healthy control (HC) children. Results: Compared with the HC group, the right superficial amygdala exhibited significantly higher dFC with the right prefrontal cortex, the left precuneus, and the left post-central gyrus for children in the ADHD group. The dFC of the amygdala subregions showed a negative association with the cognitive functions of children in the ADHD group. Conclusion: Functional connectivity of the amygdala subregions is more unstable among children with ADHD. In demonstrating an association between the stability of functional connectivity of the amygdala and cognitive functions, this study may contribute by providing a new direction for investigating the internal mechanism of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- Children's Healthcare & Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Binrang Yang
- Children's Healthcare & Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Children's Healthcare & Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Peng
- Children's Healthcare & Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Diangang Fang
- Children's Healthcare & Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Butzbach M, Fuermaier ABM, Aschenbrenner S, Weisbrod M, Tucha L, Tucha O. Metacognition, psychopathology and daily functioning in adult ADHD. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2021; 43:384-398. [PMID: 34157944 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2021.1940104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research indicated that adults with ADHD may have deficits in metacognition, yet the evidence base is scarce. This study aims to explore the existence and nature of metacognitive deficits in adults with ADHD, how psychopathology (such as inattention and depression) may affect metacognition and whether metacognition may impact daily functioning in adults with ADHD. METHOD Forty-six adult patients with ADHD and 46 controls completed questionnaires for metacognition, psychopathology and daily functioning (subjective assessment; self- and informant report). Participants performed two attention tests in a neuropsychological assessment. After test completion, participants were asked to evaluate their performance with the help of a visual aid and this self-evaluation of test performance was compared with their actual test performance (objective assessment). RESULTS Patients with ADHD reported large deficits in knowledge of cognition and medium deficits in regulation of cognition compared to controls. Self-evaluation of cognitive test performance revealed no significant deficits. Regression analyses revealed that psychopathology may explain a part of the variation in metacognition. Further regressions indicated that metacognition may account for a significant and meaningful proportion of variance in daily functioning, both self-rated and informant-rated. CONCLUSIONS Current findings of compromised metacognitive functioning of adults with ADHD suggest that clinicians may not want to rely on patients' self-reports in the clinical assessment. Inattention predicted impairments in metacognition, pointing toward the importance of attention for awareness and metacognition. Finally, we recommend that metacognition is addressed in the treatment trajectory of patients with ADHD, given that aspects of metacognition were directly linked to impairments in daily functioning as rated by participants and their relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marah Butzbach
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anselm B M Fuermaier
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Steffen Aschenbrenner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
| | - Matthias Weisbrod
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany.,Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lara Tucha
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Oliver Tucha
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland
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3
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Sônego M, Meller M, Massuti R, Campani F, Amaro J, Barbosa C, Rohde LA. Exploring the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and entrepreneurship. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2020; 43:174-180. [PMID: 32555982 PMCID: PMC8023171 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-0898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and entrepreneurial profiles and the effects of entrepreneurial characteristics in individuals who screen positive for ADHD and self-identify as entrepreneurs. METHODS We sent 4,341 questionnaires by e-mail to applicants for a career development course for entrepreneurs. We used the propensity score covariate adjustment to balance differences between included and excluded individuals. ADHD symptoms were evaluated with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. The Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation scale was used to assess the entrepreneurial profile of the participants. Impairment from ADHD symptoms was assessed with the Barkley Functional Impairment Scale. RESULTS Those who screened positive for ADHD had higher risk-taking scores (p-value = 0.016) and lower proactivity (p-value = 0.001) than those who screened negative. Higher inattention scores were related to lower proactivity (p-value < 0.001), while higher hyperactive symptom scores were related to a more generalized entrepreneurial profile (p-value = 0.033). Among ADHD-positive participants, entrepreneurial profile scores were not significantly associated with company profits or impairment. CONCLUSIONS Inattention symptoms were related to less proactivity, whereas hyperactive symptoms were positively associated with a general entrepreneurial orientation. ADHD-positive individuals had a higher risk-taking profile, and these characteristics did not negatively impact their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Sônego
- Programa de Transtornos de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade, Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Martin Meller
- Programa de Transtornos de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade, Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Massuti
- Programa de Transtornos de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade, Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fausto Campani
- Programa de Transtornos de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade, Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Julia Amaro
- Programa de Transtornos de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade, Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Luis A Rohde
- Programa de Transtornos de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade, Departamento de Psiquiatria, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento para Crianças e Adolescentes, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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4
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Croghan A, Brunette A, Holm KE, Kozora E, Moser DJ, Wamboldt FS, Meschede K, Make BJ, Crapo JD, Weinberger HD, Moreau KL, Bowler RP, Hoth KF. Reduced Attention in Former Smokers with and without COPD. Int J Behav Med 2019; 26:600-607. [PMID: 31732904 PMCID: PMC7269072 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-019-09826-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention difficulties are often reported by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, limited research exists using objective tests designed specifically to measure attention in this population. This study aimed to (1) identify specific attention deficits in COPD and (2) determine which demographic/clinical characteristics are associated with reduced attention. METHODS Eighty-four former smokers (53 COPD, 31 no COPD) completed questionnaires, pulmonary function testing, and the Conner's Continuous Performance Test II (CPT-II). Participants with and without COPD were compared on CPT-II measures of inattention, impulsivity, and vigilance. CPT-II measures that differed significantly between the two groups were further examined using hierarchical regression modeling. Demographic/clinical characteristics were entered into models with attention as the dependent variable. RESULTS Participants with COPD performed worse than those without COPD on CPT measures of inattention and impulsivity (i.e., detectability [discrimination of target from non-target stimuli], perseverations [reaction time under 100 ms], omissions [target stimuli response failures], and commissions [responses to non-target stimuli]). More severe COPD (measured by greater airflow limitation) was associated with poorer ability to detect targets vs. foils and perseverative responding after adjusting for age and other covariates in the model. CONCLUSION Former smokers with COPD experience problems with attention that go beyond slowed processing speed, including aspects of inattention and impulsivity. Clinicians should be aware that greater airflow limitation and older age are associated with attention difficulties, as this may impact functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Croghan
- Department of Psychology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr., W278GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Amanda Brunette
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kristen E Holm
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- Colorado School of Public Health, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kozora
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David J Moser
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr., W278GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Frederick S Wamboldt
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Barry J Make
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James D Crapo
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Howard D Weinberger
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center Aurora, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Russell P Bowler
- National Jewish Health, Department of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karin F Hoth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr., W278GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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Hartung CM, Lefler EK, Canu WH, Stevens AE, Jaconis M, LaCount PA, Shelton CR, Leopold DR, Willcutt EG. DSM-5 and Other Symptom Thresholds for ADHD: Which Is the Best Predictor of Impairment in College Students? J Atten Disord 2019; 23:1637-1646. [PMID: 26903353 DOI: 10.1177/1087054716629216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. Despite recommendations regarding the diagnosis of emerging adults, there is not a strong consensus regarding the ideal method for diagnosing ADHD in both emerging and mature adults. We were interested in determining whether a threshold of four, five, or six ADHD symptoms would be associated with significantly different levels of functional impairment and be more or less indicative of a potential ADHD diagnosis. METHOD We examined the relation between functional impairment and these ADHD symptom thresholds in 2,577 college students. RESULTS Our findings suggest that none of these symptom thresholds are differentially better at predicting functional impairment. CONCLUSION The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) threshold of five symptoms for ages 17 years and older is not necessarily predictive of ADHD-related impairment in college students and may not be preferable to other thresholds. Options for resolving this diagnostic dilemma are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Will H Canu
- Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, USA
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6
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Emotional symptoms are common and persistent in youth and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cause clinically significant impairments. We review recent neuropsychological, neurophysiological, and peripheral psychophysiological evidence for emotion and emotion regulation deficits in ADHD across youth and adults. RECENT FINDINGS Central and autonomous nervous system correlates argue in favor of more general self-regulation deficits and also specific emotional deficits in ADHD. These include general performance deficits in executive functions, and structural as well as functional impairments in neuronal networks associated with top-down self-regulation. Specific deficits with bottom-up emotional activation in the amygdala and emotion evaluation associated with the orbitofrontal cortex have also been described. Furthermore, vagally mediated, high-frequency heart rate variability is associated with emotional self-regulation deficits throughout the life span. The current evidence is based on multilevel studies that assess associations of emotion regulation. However, further studies that adequately consider the processual recursive character of emotion generation and regulation may give important new insights into emotional regulation of ADHD. Emotion regulation deficits in ADHD are associated with specific as well as general self-regulation deficits traceable on the level of neuropsychological, neurophysiological, and psychophysiological assessments. The temporal dynamics of the interplay of those different systems need further study in order to optimize and personalize treatment of emotion regulation difficulties, including emotional reactivity, in patients with ADHD.
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7
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Oh Y, Yoon HJ, Kim JH, Joung YS. Trait Anxiety as a Mediator of the Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Severity and Functional Impairment. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2018; 16:407-414. [PMID: 30466213 PMCID: PMC6245288 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2018.16.4.407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective Anxiety has been shown to influence functional impairment in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to compare functional impairment in subjects with and without adult ADHD and to investigate the associations among trait anxiety, functional impairment, and ADHD symptom severity. Moreover, the effects of ADHD symptom subtypes on trait anxiety and functional impairment were also examined. Methods The sample included 209 adults between the ages of 20 and 31 years. Fifty-one adults received a diagnosis of ADHD, and an additional age, sex-matched group of 51 adults comprised the adult control. Participants were assessed with Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Spielberg Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). The relationships among ADHD severity, anxiety, and functional impairment were investigated using Pearson’s correlation analysis. Subtypes of ADHD symptoms that predicted anxiety and functional impairment were investigated using regression analyses. Results Adult ADHD patients significantly differed from normal control subjects according to BDI, STAI-T, and SDS assessment. Significant positive correlations were noted between ADHD severity, anxiety, and functional impairment. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed anxiety as a mediator between functional impairment and ADHD CAARS symptom subscales. Conclusion Patients with adult ADHD showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, and functional impairment. Additionally, ADHD symptoms and anxiety impacted subject functional impairment. Our results suggest that anxiety may be a strong mediator between ADHD severity and functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhye Oh
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Joon Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo Sook Joung
- Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Kakuszi B, Bitter I, Czobor P. Suicidal ideation in adult ADHD: Gender difference with a specific psychopathological profile. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 85:23-29. [PMID: 29957374 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with adult ADHD (aADHD), and its association with gender and psychopathology. METHODS Case-control study with 206 participants (patients = 103/healthy controls = 103; matched on gender, age, and education). SI was assessed by the Beck-I Depression-Inventory. The Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) was used to characterize the ADHD symptom-domains. RESULTS Compared to controls, the likelihood of SI was significantly higher in females with ADHD (odds ratio[OR] = 25.0 (95%CI:2.98-200.0); the difference was not significant in males (OR = 2.09 (95%CI:0.75-5.81). In females, "Problems with Self-Concept" scores on the CAARS showed the closest association with SI (OR = 5.60,95%CI:2.34-13.41]), while in males it was "Impulsivity" scores (OR = 3.01,95%CI:1.50-6.06). CONCLUSION Our findings extend previously described transdiagnostic associations of specific psychopathological risk factors to aADHD, including problems with self-concept and impulsivity, which are robustly associated with suicidality across diagnostic boundaries. In addition, they indicate that these associations exhibit pronounced gender-specificity in aADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Kakuszi
- Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Bitter
- Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Czobor
- Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary.
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9
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Holst Y, Thorell LB. Adult executive functioning inventory (ADEXI): Validity, reliability, and relations to ADHD. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2018; 27:e1567. [PMID: 28497641 PMCID: PMC6877129 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the psychometric properties of the Adult Executive Functioning Inventory (ADEXI). This new executive functioning (EF) rating instrument has the advantage of being brief (14 items) and focusing specifically on working memory and inhibitory control. Results showed that scores on the ADEXI had high internal consistency and adequate test-retest reliability, but low concurrence between self-ratings and other ratings. High and statistically significant correlations were found between ADEXI scores and scores from another EF rating instrument, whereas the correlations between ADEXI scores and neuropsychological test scores were weak and often non-significant. Furthermore, with regard to discriminant validity, individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had significantly higher scores on both the inhibition and working memory subscales compared to clinical as well as non-clinical controls. The results showed high specificity, but relatively low sensitivity, when discriminating between adults with ADHD and non-clinical controls. Conclusively, the ADEXI can be a valuable screening instrument for assessing deficits in working memory and inhibitory control. However, similarly to other EF ratings, the ADEXI should be used as a complement rather than as a replacement for neuropsychological tests, and the low interrater reliability suggests that ratings from multiple sources is preferable compared to relying solely on self-ratings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Holst
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa B Thorell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Wiegand I, Hennig-Fast K, Kilian B, Müller HJ, Töllner T, Möller HJ, Engel RR, Finke K. EEG correlates of visual short-term memory as neuro-cognitive endophenotypes of ADHD. Neuropsychologia 2016; 85:91-9. [PMID: 26972967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently persists into adulthood. A reduction in visual short-term memory (vSTM) storage capacity was recently suggested as a potential neuro-cognitive endophenotype, i.e., a testable marker of an individual's liability for developing ADHD. This study aimed at identifying markers of the brain abnormalities underlying vSTM reductions in adult ADHD. We combined behavioral parameter-based assessment with electrophysiology in groups of adult ADHD patients and healthy age-matched controls. Amplitudes of ERP markers of vSTM storage capacity, the contralateral delay activity (CDA) and the P3b, were analyzed according to (i) differences between individuals with higher vs. lower storage capacity K and (ii) differences between ADHD patients and control participants. We replicated the finding of reduced storage capacity in adult ADHD. Across groups, individuals with higher relative to lower storage capacity showed a larger CDA and P3b. We further found differences between the patient and control groups in the ERPs: The CDA amplitude was attenuated in an early time window for ADHD patients compared to control participants, and was negatively correlated with ADHD patients' symptom severity ratings. Furthermore, the P3b was larger in ADHD patients relative to control participants. These electrophysiological findings indicate altered brain mechanisms underlying visual storage capacity in ADHD, which are characterized by deficient encoding and maintenance, and increased recruitment of control processes. Accordingly, (quantifiable) ERP markers of vSTM in adult ADHD bear candidacy as neuro-cognitive endophenotypes of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Wiegand
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80802 Munich, Germany; Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kristina Hennig-Fast
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80335 Munich, Germany; Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bethel, Bielefeld Evangelical Hospital, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Beate Kilian
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80335 Munich, Germany
| | - Hermann J Müller
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80802 Munich, Germany; School of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Töllner
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80802 Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Möller
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80335 Munich, Germany
| | - Rolf R Engel
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80335 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Finke
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80802 Munich, Germany.
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Emotional symptoms and their contribution to functional impairment in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 8:21-33. [PMID: 26254914 DOI: 10.1007/s12402-015-0181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder beginning in childhood and consisting of the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The disorder is often accompanied by functional impairment in daily life. Research showed that severe impairment cannot be fully explained by the core symptoms of ADHD. Accordingly, emotional symptoms in ADHD and their influence on functional impairment have increasingly become the focus of research in recent years. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between ADHD core symptoms, emotional symptoms, and functional impairment. We assumed that emotional symptoms might form part of adult ADHD and that the connection between ADHD core symptoms and functional impairment may be partly mediated by emotional symptoms. Data of 176 participants from an ADHD Special Consultations Unit were included. Of these participants, 146 were diagnosed with ADHD, while 30 received no such diagnosis. We developed a structural equation model which included core symptoms, emotional symptoms, and four domains of daily impairment (family life, social life, work, and organization). As predicted, results indicate that emotional symptoms are directly linked to adult ADHD and bear a strong negative influence on different domains of daily life. The results of different analyses showed a mediation of the relationship between ADHD core symptoms and impairment through emotional symptoms: While the connection between inattention and work and organization was partly mediated, the connections between impulsivity and family life and between inattention and social life were shown to be fully mediated through emotional symptoms.
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12
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Fisher BC, Garges DM, Yoon SYR, Maguire K, Zipay D, Gambino M, Shapiro CM. Sex differences and the interaction of age and sleep issues in neuropsychological testing performance across the lifespan in an ADD/ADHD sample from the years 1989 to 2009. Psychol Rep 2014; 114:404-38. [PMID: 24897898 DOI: 10.2466/15.10.pr0.114k23w0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Chart review of population (9 to 80 years) neuropsychological test battery for ADHD diagnosis, questionnaires with multiple responders were evaluated in outpatient setting from 1989-2009. The focus was gender differences across age, diagnostic group (ADHD-Inattentive/ADHD plus), neuropsychological test performance, and reported sleep symptoms over the lifespan. Individuals were assigned to ADHD-I group or ADHD plus group (based upon secondary diagnosis of sleep, behavioral, emotional disturbance); ADHD not primary was excluded (brain insult, psychosis). Among these were 1,828 children (ages 9 to 14), adolescents (ages 15 to 17), and adults (ages 18 and above); 446 children (312 diagnosed ADHD-I), 218 adolescents (163 diagnosed ADHD-I), and 1,163 adults (877 ADHD-I). Sleep was problematic regardless of age, ADHD subtype, and gender. The type and number of sleep problems and fatigue were age dependent. ADHD subtype, gender, fatigue, age, and sleep (sleep onset, unrefreshing sleep, sleep maintenance) were significant variables affecting neuropsychological test performance (sequencing, cognitive flexibility, slow- and fast-paced input, divided attention, whole brain functioning). Findings suggest that ADHD involves numerous factors and symptoms beyond attention, such as sleep which interacts differently dependent upon age.
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