Executive dysfunctions in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has traditionally been considered to be a childhood disorder, with symptoms that remitted in adulthood. Nevertheless, longitudinal studies have shown the persistence of the symptoms in adulthood in a high percentage of cases (30%-60%). Similarly, cognitive dysfunctions described in children with ADHD have also been observed in adults with ADHD. Thus, the main executive dysfunctions found in adult patients mimic those found in children with ADHD: disturbances in response inhibition, in planning abilities, difficulties in cognitive flexibility and verbal fluency, and also in working memory. Given the relationship between these and at least part of the symptoms observed in ADHD (such as difficulties in organising and planning tasks, inefficient working habits, difficulties in impulsivity control, or academic or work problems) it seems especially important to increase the knowledge of those executive dysfunctions in adults with ADHD.