Neuropsychological correlates of familial attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

To determine the neuropsychological correlates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, we examined 21 subjects (16 males, 5 females) with childhood-onset and familial ADHD (i.e., biological parents of children with ADHD) with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R), Gray Oral Reading Test, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Consistent with findings in children with ADHD, Freedom from Distractibility (Arithmetic and Digit Span subtests) was decreased relative to the Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Organization factors on the WAIS-R for the group as a whole, with seven subjects (33%) demonstrating significant attentional deficits when either factor or individual subtest profiles were considered. Although six men (29% of sample) met regression-based criteria for reading/spelling disabilities, only two of these subjects showed absolute deficits in reading and spelling. None showed a comorbid arithmetic disorder. Wisconsin Card Sort performance fell within normal limits for all but three subjects. The lack of significant deficits on our test battery suggest that future studies should address test sensitivity issues and include a broader assessment of the impact of ADHD symptoms on daily social functioning in adults.