ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 2017
An increasing percentage of college students report being affected by ADHD behaviors, and this po... more An increasing percentage of college students report being affected by ADHD behaviors, and this population is at increased risk of experiencing negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption. However, specific factors motivating alcohol consumption and contributing to negative outcomes among these individuals are not well understood. Recent work suggests alcohol expectancies may interact with ADHD behaviors to influence negative drinking-related outcomes among those with elevated inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Seven-hundred-forty emerging adults (M age = 19.13 [SD = 2.25] years; 72.1% female; 85.8% Caucasian) enrolled in two public universities in the Southeast and Midwest USA completed the Brief Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol Survey (B-CEOA) and provided self-reports of ADHD symptoms and drinking-related outcomes. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate effects of ADHD behaviors (i.e., hyperactivity-impulsivity, and inattention) and related impairment in major life domains (e.g., social interactions, occupational and educational activities, fulfillment of daily responsibilities) on drinking-related outcomes via positive and negative alcohol expectancies, controlling for sex, age, co-occurring oppositional behaviors, and data collection site. Inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and impairment directly predicted both personal and social problems consequent to alcohol use. Effects of ADHD behaviors and impairment on drinking-related personal and social problems were partially mediated by positive expectancies. Findings are consistent with and extend prior work supporting a role of positive alcohol expectancies in alcohol-related negative outcomes among college students experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 2016
Although the research is clear that boys with ADHD have higher symptomatology and impairment than... more Although the research is clear that boys with ADHD have higher symptomatology and impairment than girls with ADHD, for adults the research is mixed. Some studies suggest no sex differences, whereas others suggest that women might have higher symptomatology and impairment. The present study examined sex differences in ADHD symptomatology and impairment, and the possible role of claimed and behavioral self-handicapping as an explanation for any differences. Claimed self-handicapping (CSH) involves reports of performance-inhibiting conditions, whereas behavioral self-handicapping (BSH) involves reporting more objective, intentional acts that could undermine performance. College students (N = 699) completed an online study. Sex differences were found for hyperactivity such that women reported higher levels, but not for inattention or impairment. The test of the indirect effect of sex through CSH was significant, suggesting that higher levels of CSH in women were associated with elevated ADHD symptoms and impairment. The test of the indirect effect of sex through BSH was also significant, suggesting that higher levels of BSH in men are associated with elevated symptoms of ADHD and impairment. These data extend the literature by suggesting that self-handicapping might at least partially explain differential self-reporting of ADHD symptoms and impairment in emerging adults across the sexes.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been characterized as a comorbidity to pathol... more Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been characterized as a comorbidity to pathological gambling (PG). However, contradictory evidence has emerged, and it has not been established whether nonimpulsive features of ADHD (e.g., inattention, hyperactivity) contribute to PG risk, or how robust this relationship is in college samples. Using data from 224 college students, multiple regression analyses examined the association between ADHD traits
Approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. Despite recommendations regarding the diagnosis of emerging... more Approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. Despite recommendations regarding the diagnosis of emerging adults, there is not a strong consensus regarding the ideal method for diagnosing ADHD in both emerging and mature adults. We were interested in determining whether a threshold of four, five, or six ADHD symptoms would be associated with significantly different levels of functional impairment and be more or less indicative of a potential ADHD diagnosis. We examined the relation between functional impairment and these ADHD symptom thresholds in 2,577 college students. Our findings suggest that none of these symptom thresholds are differentially better at predicting functional impairment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) threshold of five symptoms for ages 17 years and older is not necessarily predictive of ADHD-related impairment in college students and may not be preferable to other thresholds. Options for resolving this diagnostic dilemma are d...
Objective: Given the mixed literature in the area, the aim of the current study was to determine ... more Objective: Given the mixed literature in the area, the aim of the current study was to determine whether sex differences exist in inattention, hyperactivity, and impairment in college adults with ADHD. Method: Individuals from three universi-ties were recruited for the study. Participants with (n = 164) and without ADHD (n = 710) completed on-line measures of symptoms and impairment. Results: College women with ADHD were shown to have higher rates of inattention, hyperactivity, and impairment than college women without ADHD and college men with ADHD. Analyses revealed that women in college who have ADHD experience higher levels of impairment in the following domains: home life, social life, education, money management, and daily life activities. Conclusion: Overall, clear differences emerged between men and women with ADHD. Implications and future directions are discussed. (J. of Att. Dis. 2012; 16(2) 109-117)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among college students are associated wi... more Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among college students are associated with high rates of alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) is generally related to lower levels of alcohol use and problems; however, it is unclear how effectively students with ADHD symptoms can implement PBS, and whether certain types of PBS use may yield better outcomes. This study examined relations between PBS type and ADHD symptoms on both alcohol use and consequences, and whether these relations varied by biological sex. Participants were 875 college student drinkers from three universities who completed measures of ADHD symptoms, PBS, past-month alcohol use, and alcohol-related consequences. There were significant moderation effects of ADHD symptoms, such that the relation between PBS use and alcohol use was more pronounced for students high in inattention, and the relation between PBS use and alcohol-related consequences was more...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentive, hyperactive, and... more Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviors. Impairment in individuals diagnosed with ADHD is significant; one such domain of impairment is achieving a college education. College students with ADHD tend to have lower grade point averages, take longer to graduate, and have higher dropout rates than individuals without ADHD. Those with ADHD may be inadequately prepared for college. College readiness can be broken into self-determination, academic skills, and daily living skills, all of which are possible areas of deficit for individuals with ADHD, given their common characteristics. In the current study, we examined differences in college readiness in undergraduates with and without ADHD. In general, students with ADHD were found to be less prepared for college than those without ADHD, and specific areas of unpreparedness were identified. The findings support the need for intervention for students with ADHD befo...
It has been widely maintained that enduring and healthy romantic relationships are critical to qu... more It has been widely maintained that enduring and healthy romantic relationships are critical to quality of life in adulthood, and can buffer the impact of adversity, including psychological disorder. Unfortunately, much research points toward adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) having short-lived and discordant romantic relationships. Despite this ample evidence, relatively little research has focused on identifying specific factors that may strengthen or explain their relational difficulties, which would have obvious relationship distress prevention and intervention implications. The current study reviews the state of the literature on romantic relationships in adults with ADHD, including differences that have been established between ADHD and non-ADHD populations as well as distal and proximal factors that appear to increase risk of relationship distress of adults with ADHD. Finally, notable gaps in the literature are identified and implications are raised with regards to prevention and intervention efforts designed to address functional impairment in adults with ADHD.
Abstract College students with ADHD are considered to be “high-functioning” when compared to othe... more Abstract College students with ADHD are considered to be “high-functioning” when compared to other ADHD populations, yet tend to experience higher general test anxiety when compared to non-affected students. Research has also shown Math Computation performance of students with ADHD to be impaired. However, no published study has examined the connection between ADHD and specific math anxiety. Undergraduates with retrospectively reported ADHD traits and an existent diagnosis ( n = 40) and peers without ADHD ( n = 163) completed a battery of self-report measures tapping general, test, and math anxiety, as well as a standardized math achievement test and measures of current emotional state. Controlling for current trait anxiety, those with ADHD traits experienced higher specific math anxiety and negative affect after completing the math task, versus peers without ADHD. Mathematics may pose a specific risk for anxiety in college students with clinically-elevated ADHD symptoms, one that future academic and clinical interventions should take into consideration.
At present, data suggests that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may be more prevalent in ... more At present, data suggests that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may be more prevalent in North Carolina than other states, but whether we are properly identifying and treating cases, in childhood and adulthood, is murky. Much innovative work to this end is being done in North Carolina, but more is needed. A ttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exists in North Carolina as it does elsewhere: it emerges in childhood, but tends to persist across adolescence and into adulthood, as documented in a recent long-term follow-up study of hundreds of children diagnosed with ADHD suggesting that 60% have clinically significant symptoms persisting at least to their mid-20s [1]. It impairs functioning in many domains, including school achievement, work, physical health and safety, relational satisfaction, and other outcomes [2]. There are many facets of this disorder that could be focused on, but herein I have organized my commentary to focus on a) the apparent scope of the "ADHD problem" in our state, b) how we appear to be coping with that in assessment and intervention efforts, and c) related thoughts that also highlight innovative research and intervention directions.
ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 2017
An increasing percentage of college students report being affected by ADHD behaviors, and this po... more An increasing percentage of college students report being affected by ADHD behaviors, and this population is at increased risk of experiencing negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption. However, specific factors motivating alcohol consumption and contributing to negative outcomes among these individuals are not well understood. Recent work suggests alcohol expectancies may interact with ADHD behaviors to influence negative drinking-related outcomes among those with elevated inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Seven-hundred-forty emerging adults (M age = 19.13 [SD = 2.25] years; 72.1% female; 85.8% Caucasian) enrolled in two public universities in the Southeast and Midwest USA completed the Brief Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol Survey (B-CEOA) and provided self-reports of ADHD symptoms and drinking-related outcomes. Multiple mediation analyses were conducted to evaluate effects of ADHD behaviors (i.e., hyperactivity-impulsivity, and inattention) and related impairment in major life domains (e.g., social interactions, occupational and educational activities, fulfillment of daily responsibilities) on drinking-related outcomes via positive and negative alcohol expectancies, controlling for sex, age, co-occurring oppositional behaviors, and data collection site. Inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and impairment directly predicted both personal and social problems consequent to alcohol use. Effects of ADHD behaviors and impairment on drinking-related personal and social problems were partially mediated by positive expectancies. Findings are consistent with and extend prior work supporting a role of positive alcohol expectancies in alcohol-related negative outcomes among college students experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of ADHD.
ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 2016
Although the research is clear that boys with ADHD have higher symptomatology and impairment than... more Although the research is clear that boys with ADHD have higher symptomatology and impairment than girls with ADHD, for adults the research is mixed. Some studies suggest no sex differences, whereas others suggest that women might have higher symptomatology and impairment. The present study examined sex differences in ADHD symptomatology and impairment, and the possible role of claimed and behavioral self-handicapping as an explanation for any differences. Claimed self-handicapping (CSH) involves reports of performance-inhibiting conditions, whereas behavioral self-handicapping (BSH) involves reporting more objective, intentional acts that could undermine performance. College students (N = 699) completed an online study. Sex differences were found for hyperactivity such that women reported higher levels, but not for inattention or impairment. The test of the indirect effect of sex through CSH was significant, suggesting that higher levels of CSH in women were associated with elevated ADHD symptoms and impairment. The test of the indirect effect of sex through BSH was also significant, suggesting that higher levels of BSH in men are associated with elevated symptoms of ADHD and impairment. These data extend the literature by suggesting that self-handicapping might at least partially explain differential self-reporting of ADHD symptoms and impairment in emerging adults across the sexes.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been characterized as a comorbidity to pathol... more Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been characterized as a comorbidity to pathological gambling (PG). However, contradictory evidence has emerged, and it has not been established whether nonimpulsive features of ADHD (e.g., inattention, hyperactivity) contribute to PG risk, or how robust this relationship is in college samples. Using data from 224 college students, multiple regression analyses examined the association between ADHD traits
Approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. Despite recommendations regarding the diagnosis of emerging... more Approximately 5% of adults have ADHD. Despite recommendations regarding the diagnosis of emerging adults, there is not a strong consensus regarding the ideal method for diagnosing ADHD in both emerging and mature adults. We were interested in determining whether a threshold of four, five, or six ADHD symptoms would be associated with significantly different levels of functional impairment and be more or less indicative of a potential ADHD diagnosis. We examined the relation between functional impairment and these ADHD symptom thresholds in 2,577 college students. Our findings suggest that none of these symptom thresholds are differentially better at predicting functional impairment. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) threshold of five symptoms for ages 17 years and older is not necessarily predictive of ADHD-related impairment in college students and may not be preferable to other thresholds. Options for resolving this diagnostic dilemma are d...
Objective: Given the mixed literature in the area, the aim of the current study was to determine ... more Objective: Given the mixed literature in the area, the aim of the current study was to determine whether sex differences exist in inattention, hyperactivity, and impairment in college adults with ADHD. Method: Individuals from three universi-ties were recruited for the study. Participants with (n = 164) and without ADHD (n = 710) completed on-line measures of symptoms and impairment. Results: College women with ADHD were shown to have higher rates of inattention, hyperactivity, and impairment than college women without ADHD and college men with ADHD. Analyses revealed that women in college who have ADHD experience higher levels of impairment in the following domains: home life, social life, education, money management, and daily life activities. Conclusion: Overall, clear differences emerged between men and women with ADHD. Implications and future directions are discussed. (J. of Att. Dis. 2012; 16(2) 109-117)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among college students are associated wi... more Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among college students are associated with high rates of alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Use of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) is generally related to lower levels of alcohol use and problems; however, it is unclear how effectively students with ADHD symptoms can implement PBS, and whether certain types of PBS use may yield better outcomes. This study examined relations between PBS type and ADHD symptoms on both alcohol use and consequences, and whether these relations varied by biological sex. Participants were 875 college student drinkers from three universities who completed measures of ADHD symptoms, PBS, past-month alcohol use, and alcohol-related consequences. There were significant moderation effects of ADHD symptoms, such that the relation between PBS use and alcohol use was more pronounced for students high in inattention, and the relation between PBS use and alcohol-related consequences was more...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentive, hyperactive, and... more Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviors. Impairment in individuals diagnosed with ADHD is significant; one such domain of impairment is achieving a college education. College students with ADHD tend to have lower grade point averages, take longer to graduate, and have higher dropout rates than individuals without ADHD. Those with ADHD may be inadequately prepared for college. College readiness can be broken into self-determination, academic skills, and daily living skills, all of which are possible areas of deficit for individuals with ADHD, given their common characteristics. In the current study, we examined differences in college readiness in undergraduates with and without ADHD. In general, students with ADHD were found to be less prepared for college than those without ADHD, and specific areas of unpreparedness were identified. The findings support the need for intervention for students with ADHD befo...
It has been widely maintained that enduring and healthy romantic relationships are critical to qu... more It has been widely maintained that enduring and healthy romantic relationships are critical to quality of life in adulthood, and can buffer the impact of adversity, including psychological disorder. Unfortunately, much research points toward adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) having short-lived and discordant romantic relationships. Despite this ample evidence, relatively little research has focused on identifying specific factors that may strengthen or explain their relational difficulties, which would have obvious relationship distress prevention and intervention implications. The current study reviews the state of the literature on romantic relationships in adults with ADHD, including differences that have been established between ADHD and non-ADHD populations as well as distal and proximal factors that appear to increase risk of relationship distress of adults with ADHD. Finally, notable gaps in the literature are identified and implications are raised with regards to prevention and intervention efforts designed to address functional impairment in adults with ADHD.
Abstract College students with ADHD are considered to be “high-functioning” when compared to othe... more Abstract College students with ADHD are considered to be “high-functioning” when compared to other ADHD populations, yet tend to experience higher general test anxiety when compared to non-affected students. Research has also shown Math Computation performance of students with ADHD to be impaired. However, no published study has examined the connection between ADHD and specific math anxiety. Undergraduates with retrospectively reported ADHD traits and an existent diagnosis ( n = 40) and peers without ADHD ( n = 163) completed a battery of self-report measures tapping general, test, and math anxiety, as well as a standardized math achievement test and measures of current emotional state. Controlling for current trait anxiety, those with ADHD traits experienced higher specific math anxiety and negative affect after completing the math task, versus peers without ADHD. Mathematics may pose a specific risk for anxiety in college students with clinically-elevated ADHD symptoms, one that future academic and clinical interventions should take into consideration.
At present, data suggests that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may be more prevalent in ... more At present, data suggests that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may be more prevalent in North Carolina than other states, but whether we are properly identifying and treating cases, in childhood and adulthood, is murky. Much innovative work to this end is being done in North Carolina, but more is needed. A ttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exists in North Carolina as it does elsewhere: it emerges in childhood, but tends to persist across adolescence and into adulthood, as documented in a recent long-term follow-up study of hundreds of children diagnosed with ADHD suggesting that 60% have clinically significant symptoms persisting at least to their mid-20s [1]. It impairs functioning in many domains, including school achievement, work, physical health and safety, relational satisfaction, and other outcomes [2]. There are many facets of this disorder that could be focused on, but herein I have organized my commentary to focus on a) the apparent scope of the "ADHD problem" in our state, b) how we appear to be coping with that in assessment and intervention efforts, and c) related thoughts that also highlight innovative research and intervention directions.
... 1995), inattention (Canu & Carlson, 2003; Robin & Payson, 2002), and antisociality (M... more ... 1995), inattention (Canu & Carlson, 2003; Robin & Payson, 2002), and antisociality (Mannuzza, Klein, Bessler, Malloy, & LaPadula ... The perception of stigma against one's diagnosis has been associated with reluctance to seek treatment (Corrigan, 2004), reduced adherence to ...
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