The relationship between core symptoms of ADHD and the Cognitive Reflection Test in a non-clinical sample

Abstract

Introduction. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms are frequently linked to executive function deficits. There is reason to believe that these deficits may give rise to problems with complex reasoning and problem solving.Methods. Eighty-six men (N = 45) and women (N = 41) completed a self-report measure to assess ADHD symptoms, along with a complex reasoning task; the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT). IQ was also tested due to its covariance with reasoning ability.Results. Analysis suggested that all three symptoms of ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) are negatively related to performance on the CRT, however, only inattention significantly contributed to a model that predicted CRT performance.Conclusions. Of the three core symptoms of ADHD, inattention is the most important for reasoning ability. Results are discussed with reference to an executive function model of ADHD, with particular emphasis on the role of working memory in inattention.