The Etiological and Predictive Association Between ADHD and Cognitive Performance From Childhood to Young Adulthood

J Atten Disord. 2023 May;27(7):709-720. doi: 10.1177/10870547231159908. Epub 2023 Apr 11.

Abstract

Objective: Evidence about the etiology of the predictive associations between a diagnosis of ADHD and cognitive performance over time is scarce. Here, we examine these predictive and etiological patterns using a cross-lagged model design in a sample of 404 participants (74% males) from ADHD and control sibling pairs aged 6 to 17 years at baseline and 12 to 24 years at follow-up.

Methods: Data included IQ, short-term and working memory measures, and response speed and variability from a four-choice reaction-time task.

Results: ADHD and IQ predicted each other over time. ADHD at baseline predicted lower working memory performance at follow-up. Stable etiological influences emerged in the association between ADHD and cognitive variables across time.

Conclusion: Whether early interventions can reduce negative interference with learning at school requires further study.

Keywords: ADHD; cognitive impairments; etiological factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / psychology
  • Child
  • Cognition
  • Cognition Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Reaction Time
  • Young Adult