Differential Profile of High-Performance Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: To compare the neurocognitive profile of a subgroup of patients with ADHD who have a high academic-occupational functioning vs. patients with low functioning. Method: A total of 50 adults with ADHD, 10 with high academic-occupational functioning (ADHD/HF), 20 with low academic-occupational functioning (ADHD-LF), and 20 healthy controls were assessed with a standard neuropsychological battery. Independent sample tests and logistic regression were calculated to compare the performance of the three groups and to identify predictor variables. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the forward digits subtest between the subtypes of ADHD, but not between ADHD-HF and controls, nor between controls and ADHD-LF. In matrix reasoning subtest, significantly lower performances were registered between both ADHD groups compared to the control group. In the letter number subtest, ADHD-LF obtained a significant lower performance than the control group, but the ADHD-HF group do not differ with the other two groups. Finally, regarding to the binary logistic regression analysis, it could be observed that the only variable that best predicted belonging to these groups has been forward digits, which according to the data of the model would be a protection factor. Conclusion: The profile of patients with high socio-occupational performance was characterized by a better conservation of working memory and the capacity for sustained attention, and a lower tendency to distraction.