Adult ADHD and Executive Functions: Can Inhibition Explain it all?

Straten, Shahar van (2024) Adult ADHD and Executive Functions: Can Inhibition Explain it all? Bachelor thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

ADHD is commonly seen as a childhood disorder. However, it has become clear that ADHD can persist in adulthood and that it might have a different symptom manifestation. Although executive functions are clearly correlated to adult ADHD, the exact nature of this relationship and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between executive functions and adult ADHD focusing specifically on inhibition as underlying mechanism. To investigate this relationship on behavioural level, 498 participants filled out two questionnaires: the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) and Executive Functioning Index (EFI). The arrow task and the animal task were used to investigate this relationship on a cognitive level, measuring inhibition. A subsample of 26 participants from the total sample were invited to participate in these tasks. Significant correlations between executive functions and ADHD were found on behavioural level meaning higher ADHD symptoms correlated with poorer executive functioning. Measured on a cognitive level, no significant differences were found in inhibition between students with high and low levels of ADHD. These findings suggest a complex relationship between executive functions and ADHD, indicating that inhibition is not the only underlying mechanism involved. Future research is required to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of executive functions in adult ADHD and the discrepancy between inhibition measured on behavioural level and on cognitive level in adults with ADHD.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor)
Supervisor name:	Borger, N.A.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	None [Bachelor Psychology]
Date Deposited:	30 Jul 2024 07:04
Last Modified:	30 Jul 2024 07:04
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4170

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