Discordance between psychometric testing and questionnaire-based definitions of executive function deficits in individuals with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
One suspected source of negative outcomes associated with ADHD has been deficits in executive functions. Although both psychometrically defined and self-reported executive function deficits (EFDs) have been shown to be associated with poor academic and occupational outcomes, whether these two approaches define the same individuals remains unknown.


METHODS
Participants were 194 adults with ADHD from a case-control study of ADHD. Empirically based cutoffs were ascertained for an EFD diagnosis on both psychometric tests and scores on the Current Behavior Scale.


RESULTS
Results showed a modest overlap between the psychometric and self-reported definitions of EFDs. Whereas neuropsychological testing largely identified individuals with lower IQ and achievement testing, the behavioral questionnaire largely identified individuals with higher levels of ADHD symptoms, psychiatric comorbidity, and interpersonal deficits.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that behavioral questionnaires cannot be used interchangeably with neuropsychological testing for the assessment of EFDs in adults with ADHD.
Biederman
Joseph
J
Massachusetts General Hospital, Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jbiederman@partners.org
Petty
Carter R
CR
Fried
Ronna
R
Black
Sarah
S
Faneuil
Alicia
A
Doyle
Alysa E
AE
Seidman
Larry J
LJ
Faraone
Stephen V
SV
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires