Executive functioning in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: combined type with and without a stimulant medication history

Neuropsychology. 2008 May;22(3):329-40. doi: 10.1037/0894-4105.22.3.329.

Abstract

Behavioral and neuropsychological functioning in unmedicated children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who have a history of medication treatment (Rx) versus those who are treatment naïve (TN) has, to our knowledge, not been previously studied. Ninety-four children in four groups (ADHD/Rx, ADHD/TN, learning disabilities [LD], and controls) were evaluated, while unmedicated, on measures of achievement, neuropsychological functioning, and behavior. The ADHD/Rx group performed significantly better than the TN group on writing, Stroop interference, and measures of attention, and performed as well as the control group on executive functioning, verbal working memory, and academics. Behaviorally, the ADHD groups showed more difficulty with mood and externalizing behaviors compared with the LD and control groups, with the ADHD/TN performing the most poorly. Findings suggest that the ADHD/Rx group shows better executive and academic functioning even when unmedicated.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language
  • Male
  • Mathematics
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Problem Solving / drug effects*
  • Wechsler Scales

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate