The Etiological and Predictive Association Between ADHD and Cognitive Performance From Childhood to Young Adulthood. Issue 7 (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vainieri, Isabella; Michelini, Giorgia; Cheung, Celeste H. M.; Oginni, Olakunle A.; Asherson, Philip; Rijsdijk, Frühling; Kuntsi, Jonna
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 27:Issue 7(2023)
• Page Start: 709
• Page End: 720
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: ADHD -- cognitive impairments -- etiological factors; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/10870547231159908
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

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.