Utilizing Neuropsychological Testing to Inform ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

This article describes a case study in which a 7-year-old first grade boy (Phil) underwent neuropsychological assessment to determine the possible existence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Subsequent performances on tests of attention and executive functioning were quite variable. Specifically, there were indicators of inattention, erratic response style, and executive dysfunction evidenced by a large number of commission errors. In addition, there were difficulties maintaining attentional focus in the presence of distracters, weaknesses in working memory, information processing speed, and difficulties with planning and inhibition. Treatment implications are subsequently described, particularly the growing use of computer-assisted cognitive training to address working memory and executive functioning. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion about how to employ neuropsychological results in an effort to meaningfully engage the family of an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder child in long-term therapy.

Developments in Clinical Neuropsychology: Implications for School Psychological Services

“…It was also around this time that researchers began to examine the neurological bases of behavioral disorders and learning disabilities 10 . Today there is solid neurobiological evidence for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disorders of reading, written language, and mathematics as well as pervasive developmental disorders such as Asperger's syndrome 11–17 . Common psychiatric conditions that present with significant neuropsychological abnormalities include schizophrenia, obsessive‐compulsive disorder, unipolar depression, and bipolar affective disorder 18–24 .…”

Repertoires of ADHD in UK newspaper media

“…ADHD was reviewed by Cormier (2008) and in that year alone, a wide range of study types were based on biological, psychological or social explanations. For example, ADHD was described as a genetic disorder (Wallis et al, 2008), a biochemical imbalance (Tripp and Wickens, 2008) and a neuropsychological disorder (Sugalski et al, 2008). ADHD was also defined as a personality disorder (Eisenbarth et al, 2008) or an oppositional defiant disorder related to autism (Gadow et al, 2008).…”

“…For example, ADHD was described as a genetic disorder (Wallis et al, 2008), a biochemical imbalance (Tripp and Wickens, 2008) and a neuropsychological disorder (Sugalski et al, 2008). ADHD was also defined as a personality disorder (Eisenbarth et al, 2008) or an oppositional defiant disorder related to autism (Gadow, DeVincent and Drabick, (2008).…”