Executive functions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between weaknesses in executive functions and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Empirical studies examining executive functions in ADHD samples were reviewed, with particular attention to results of recent meta-analyses.


RESULTS
ADHD is associated with impaired performance on measures of response inhibition, working memory, and other aspects of executive functions, yet data also suggest significant neuropsychological variability within and across ADHD samples.


CONCLUSIONS
ADHD may be best conceptualized as a neuropsychologically heterogeneous condition. More work is needed to characterize this heterogeneity and its clinical and pathophysiologic implications.
Doyle
Alysa E
AE
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. doylea@helix.mgh.harvard.edu
D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology