ADHD Subtypes
Visual Abstract
Neuropsychological Performance Patterns of Adult ADHD Subtypes
Understanding Adult ADHD Through Neuropsychology
LeRoy A, Jacova C, Young C
Summarized by:
Charles Li, MD
December 31, 2023
study source
J Atten Disord
2019 Aug
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What they studied
What are the patterns of neuropsychological performance in different adult ADHD subtypes?
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What they found
Memory is key in differentiating ADHD-Inattentive and ADHD-Combined subtypes.
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Why it matters
This discovery could help understand and distinguish between ADHD subtypes more clearly.
Objectives
The focus of the study was to explore how adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) differ in their neuropsychological performance based on their ADHD subtype. The authors aimed to gather and analyze existing research to understand these differences more clearly. This is an essential area of study because, unlike children with ADHD, adults with the condition often show different symptoms. For example, they might struggle more with staying focused and have less trouble with hyperactivity.
Study Quote
Neuropsychological performance patterns associated with adult ADHD subtypes are unknown. The aim of the current systematic review was to identify and synthesize available literature regarding neuropsychological performance associated with adult ADHD subtypes.
Methods
The authors conducted a systematic review, scouring databases like PsycINFO and PubMed for studies published before March 2017. Their goal was to find research that examined the neuropsychological performance of adults with different ADHD subtypes. They grouped the neuropsychological tests used in these studies into eight distinct categories. This method allowed them to thoroughly assess how these tests showed differences between ADHD subtypes and control groups.
Study Quote
Searches were completed using the databases PsycINFO and PubMed for studies published before March 2017 addressing adult ADHD subtypes and neuropsychological performance. Data characterizing the neuropsychological tests utilized in each study were obtained and sorted into eight domains. ...
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Results
The study revealed that certain neuropsychological domains were particularly effective in differentiating between ADHD subtypes and control groups. Notably, memory stood out as a critical area for distinguishing between ADHD-Inattentive and ADHD-Combined subtypes. This finding aligns with the common understanding that adults with ADHD often have memory-related challenges, which are more pronounced in the ADHD-Inattentive subtype.
Study Quote
We deemed four domains informative in differentiating ADHD subtypes from controls. Of these, memory was the only domain that held promise in distinguishing ADHD-Inattentive and ADHD-Combined.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the study underscores the potential of using memory performance patterns to distinguish between ADHD subtypes in adults. This approach could be a valuable tool for better understanding and managing adult ADHD. However, the authors also highlight the limitations of the current research and suggest areas for future studies.
Study Quote
Limitations of the available literature are highlighted and recommendations for future research are provided.
Key Takeaways
Importance of Memory in ADHD
Memory tests are crucial for distinguishing between ADHD-Inattentive and ADHD-Combined subtypes.
ADHD-Combined Struggles More in Memory
Individuals with the ADHD-Combined subtype tend to have poorer memory performance.
Need for More Research
More detailed studies are required to fully understand the neuropsychological aspects of ADHD.
Context
This study's findings fit into a broader research context on adult ADHD. For instance, a 2009 study by Wilens and colleagues found that most adults with ADHD predominantly exhibit inattentive symptoms, with differences in subtypes and associated disorders.
The results of this study showing that memory is a key differentiating factor in ADHD, are consistent with other studies that show that working memory is a key part of ADHD that often lasts into adulthood: