A-33 Visuospatial Working Memory Performance and Adult ADHD Symptom Severity

Abstract

Abstract Objective Working memory performance among adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) demonstrates variable results across literature. This investigation evaluated performance on a visuospatial working memory task relative to scores on measures of ADHD subtype and severity. Method A community sample aged 18 to 77 (n = 31; n men = 15) completed neuropsychological testing and measures of ADHD. The sample was predominantly White (64%; n = 20) and highly educated (Myears = 15.6). Participants were eligible if they were 18 or older, regardless of ADHD symptoms/diagnosis, and excluded if they had neuromedical/neuropsychiatric disorders. Spatial Addition (SA) from the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV) assessed working memory; the Adult ADHD Clinical Diagnostic Scale (ACDS) and Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS) assessed ADHD subtype and burden. Results AISRS scores did not explain any variance in SA scores, R2 = 00, p = .970 (β = -.020, p = .970). A one-way between subjects ANOVA demonstrated no significant differences on SA scores between groupings based on ACDS: ADHD (n = 9, M = 13, SD = 4.12), and non-ADHD (n = 20, M = 13.95, SD = 5.27), (F(3,25) = .592, p = .626); ADHD (Inattentive (n = 2, M = 14.4, SD = .707); Hyperactive (n = 1, M = 18.00); Combined (n = 6, M = 11.7, SD = 4.8)). Adjustment for age and education did not change these findings. Conclusions Results failed to indicate any association between visuospatial working memory scores and ADHD symptoms but a larger, diversified sample is necessary to corroborate this null finding.