Work

Cognitive Profiling in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Insights from WISC-IV

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by enduring patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, with considerable variability in cognitive and developmental outcomes across individuals. 1 This study compared the cognitive profiles of children with ADHD and typically developing children (TDC) using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Materials and Methods: Fifty-one children (26 with ADHD, 25 TDC; age range 7–13 years 11 months) were assessed on domains such as Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted to examine differences in WISC-IV subtest scores and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) between the groups. Demographic variables (sex, family type, and socio-economic status) were also examined. Results: Children with ADHD showed significantly lower FSIQ (Mdn = 92.5) than TDC (Mdn = 103; U = 128.50, p < .001, r = .60). Pronounced deficits were evident in Working Memory subtests (Digit Span: r = .90; Letter-Number Sequencing: r = .99). Significant differences also emerged on Picture Concepts ( p = .03), Matrix Reasoning ( p = .002), and unexpectedly Symbol Search, on which the ADHD group scored higher (Mdn = 11.5 vs. 9, p = .002, r = .49). No significant differences were found for sex, family type, or socio-economic status on FSIQ. Discussion: The findings reveal a distinct cognitive profile in Indian children with ADHD characterized by severe working-memory deficits and relative preservation of verbal comprehension, alongside novel observations on perceptual reasoning and processing-speed subtests. These domain-specific impairments have important implications for designing targeted, culturally responsive interventions.

Source: Journal of Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health

DOI: 10.1177/09731342261456049

Authors: Samrat Deb, Gunjan Bhutani

Institutions: Rashtriya Raksha University, Banaras Hindu University

Language: English

Topic: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

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