Differential effects of methylphenidate on problem solving in adults with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
Two studies were performed to assess both divergent and convergent thinking in adults with ADHD.


METHODS
The first study compared the problem-solving abilities of healthy participants (N = 144) and unmedicated adults with ADHD (N = 144). In the second study, problem-solving abilities of adults with diagnosed ADHD (N = 22) were examined twice, that is, on and off methylphenidate (MPH), and compared with the performance of a healthy control group (N = 22). Convergent thinking was measured using a Tower of London task, whereas divergent thinking was assessed using verbal fluency tasks.


RESULTS
Adults with ADHD off MPH displayed marked deficits of both divergent and convergent thinking. MPH treatment resulted in a marked improvement of convergent thinking, while no effect of medication was found regarding divergent thinking.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacological treatment of adults with ADHD revealed a differential effect of MPH on problem solving abilities.
Tucha
Lara
L
Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, Netherlands. L.I.Tucha@rug.nl
Tucha
Oliver
O
Sontag
Thomas A
TA
Stasik
Dorota
D
Laufkötter
Rainer
R
Lange
Klaus W
KW
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000187:drug effects*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate