title: Neurofibromatosis type 1 and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case study and literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The cognitive profile of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been well characterized, but few studies have evaluated the cognitive abilities of adults with NF1 and ADHD.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We investigated 1) the cognitive profile of an adult patient with NF1 and inattention problems, 2) changes in his cognition after 14 months of follow-up, and 3) whether the patient exhibited comorbid NF1 and ADHD or secondary ADHD-like symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  We administered neuropsychological tests of executive function, attention, verbal and visual memory, visuospatial function, and language during two evaluations separated by 14 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found no changes in sustained attention, language, or verbal memory. Visual memory, verbal learning, selective attention inhibitory control, and problem solving declined over time, whereas visual search, psychomotor speed, visuospatial function, and mental flexibility improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our patient exhibited a cognitive profile characteristic of both NF1 and ADHD, leading to the hypothesis that the patient had comorbid ADHD instead of secondary ADHD-like symptoms. More studies are necessary to characterize the cognition of patients with NF1 and ADHD.
authors.affiliation: Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Program (PRODATH), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carmen Sílvia
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Miguel
authors.affiliation: Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Program (PRODATH), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tiffany M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Chaim-Avancini
authors.affiliation: Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Program (PRODATH), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Aparecida
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Program (PRODATH), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mario Rodrigues
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Louzã
keywords: ADHD; NF1; cognition; executive function; low-grade pontine glioma
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