A Neuropsychological Perspective on ADHD: Quantitative Insights into Working Memory Components
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: One of the primary cognitive impairments in people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is working memory difficulties. This study investigates the connection between teenage ADHD symptom subtypes and working memory components, including verbal, visuospatial and central executive. Purpose: To examine how specific working memory subcomponents predict ADHD symptoms (inattention and learning problems), and to investigate potential gender differences in working memory performance among adolescents with ADHD. Methods: Fifty children and adolescents (8-16.4 years old) with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD who were receiving treatment and medication in a hospital in Delhi-NCR were assessed. Parents completed the Conners 3 Parent Rating Scale, and adolescents were administered the Digit Span and Letter-Number Sequencing subtests from the WISC-IV and the Bender-Gestalt Test. Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlation, Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Learning problems and inattention as components were negatively associated with working memory. The visuospatial component assessed by the Bender-Gestalt Test had no significant correlation with ADHD components. No significant gender differences in working memory performance were observed. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of targeted cognitive interventions for both genders, emphasising working memory enhancement to reduce ADHD-related impairments. Future studies should use larger and more diverse sample sizes and examine working memory in relation to ADHD severity and comorbid conditions.
Source: Annals of Neurosciences
Authors: Priyanka Malhotra, Rati Khurana
Institution: IILM University Gurugram
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $395
OpenAlex ID: W4416673023