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The Influence Of Executive Functioning Impairment And Adhd Symptoms On Response To Reading Skill Intervention, Alexandra Ossowski

Psychology Theses

This study investigated the extent to which the presence of EF impairments in children with reading disabilities (RD) influenced their responsiveness to reading intervention. We were interested in whether behavioral or cognitive measurements of EF are stronger predictors of intervention response in RD, and whether each type of measurement adds unique predictive variance. In those with RD, we also investigated whether behavioral and/or cognitive measurements of EF predicted intervention responsiveness above and beyond previously studied predictors, such as language and language-related skills. Given the high comorbidity of RD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we also assessed the extent to …

Pragmatic Deficits In Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Paige Kessler

Honors Theses

Background: Most studies have found pragmatic language skills to be poorer in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) populations, but there is no conclusive evidence.

Aim: Our aim was to conduct a meta-analysis of pragmatic language abilities in ADHD populations to more definitively demonstrate the extent of pragmatic language deficits in these populations as compared to typically developing (TD) populations.

Methods and procedures: Journal articles were identified using the search terms ((attention deficit) OR (adhd)) AND (pragmatics). Identified studies were screened and reviewed for inclusion criteria, descriptive information, and outcome variables. A meta-analysis was conducted, and individual effect sizes and overall effect size …

Social Cognition, Impulsivity, And Emotion Regulation Factors In Aggressive Behavior Among Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder., Kelly E. Slaughter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit greater levels of aggressive behavior than their typically developing peers, often resulting in impairment in social and family functioning. Aggressive behavior is often differentiated into two functions: reactive, or “hot-blooded” and proactive, or “cold-blooded” aggression. Prior research has identified several factors contributing to aggressive behavior within a general population, including emotion dysregulation, negative urgency, social information processing (SIP), and parenting behaviors. A paucity of research has examined these factors within an ADHD population. Thus, the present study aimed to examine social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive factors associated with aggression among children with ADHD. Specifically, …

Non-Medical Use Of Adhd Prescription Drugs Among Us College Students At A Public Research University In A Small Rural Town, Laura A. Witteveen

Honors College Theses

Some previous studies have shown that college students abuse ADHD prescription stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, or Dexedrine. This research attempts to highlight how often college students use these prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes, how they acquire these prescription drugs, and for what intended purposes they are taking them. This information is gathered through an anonymous Qualtrics survey which was sent out to 200 undergraduate college students enrolled in nursing school at a public research university in a small rural town. A completed survey was received from 45 students. Out of these students, 22.2% are diagnosed with ADHD or …

Gender Differences In The Presentation Of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Exploring Factors Influencing The Underdiagnosis Of Adhd And Its Effects On Women, Alexis-Phillis Giron

Nursing | Senior Theses

Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulties in maintaining focus, working memory, and executive function. The current literature reveals extensive research on males diagnosed with ADHD whereas fewer studies on females have been performed due, at least in part, to inadequate assessment and/or identification of women who present with subtle gender differences in symptom profile and comorbidity. This thesis reviewed six peer-reviewed primary research articles published between the years 2002 to 2020 that explore the variations in gender differences and the associated comorbidities of adult ADHD. While current literature has identified the differences in gender presentation …

Early Development Of Adhd And Odd Symptoms From The Toddler To Preschool Years, Hallie Brown

Doctoral Dissertations

ADHD and ODD are common and impairing externalizing disorders in childhood that are often comorbid. Understanding the development of these symptoms when they first emerge is crucial for better identifying children who are at-risk for later impairment. Parents (N = 273) were recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to complete surveys about their 2-year-old, followed by surveys every six months for two years. Children’s general pattern of ADHD and ODD symptom growth were examined with latent class analyses. Temperament traits were subsequently added as covariates. Dual group-based trajectories and cross-lagged analyses examined the co-development of these disorders. Results showed 4 distinct …

The Utility Of The Test Of Everyday Attention For Children (Tea-Ch) For Attention-Related Referrals, Ewelina Lakomy

Dissertations

The Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch) is a commonly used, UK-normed test to assess diverse attentional capacities in children and adolescents. Currently, there is insufficient evidence for the diagnostic utility of the TEA-Ch with ADHD in a U.S. population. The focus in this study was to investigate the relationship between the TEA-Ch scores test authors found to be most sensitive to ADHD in UK samples as well as the relationship of TEA-Ch scores to other measures typically used in the diagnosis of ADHD, including rating scales. Archival and prospective analyses of 121 subjects with mixed-clinical/ADHD diagnoses (ages 6–16; …

The Influence Of Adhd On Concussion In Ncaa College Athletes, Brett Steven Gunn

Theses and Dissertations

Evidence suggests attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be associated with an increased incidence of concussion; however, no study has cross-sectionally (Aim 1) and longitudinally (Aim 2) assessed the associations of ADHD with concussion. Additionally, there is reason to expect cognitive alterations following concussion in athletes with ADHD. Further, there is currently no study that has evaluated the influence of common medications often taken to mitigate some symptoms of ADHD, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. Therefore, we sought to longitudinally assess cognitive profiles (Aim 3) of athletes with ADHD taking medication (ADHD+Rx) and not taking medication (ADHD_uRx) at baseline, 24-48 hours …

Is It Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?, Ivette Berger

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This is a review of the current literature between the comorbidities and physiological symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specifically in adolescents. The method used by this writer was examining peer- reviewed articles and books focused on PTSD and ADHD. Quantitative and qualitative research was reviewed and used to provide support on the comorbidities between PTSD and ADHD. Lastly, this paper discusses and explores how dance/movement therapy (DMT) should be a treatment option when working with this population since dance/movement therapy uses body observations and assessment tools that aid in diagnosing and treating individuals diagnosed …

Understanding And Improving Adhd Symptom Recall: An Investigation Of Temperament And Childhood Symptom Recall Over Time, Lea Elizabeth Taylor

Dissertations - ALL

Background: ADHD is characterized by a high prevalence, functional impairment across the lifespan, negative long-term consequences, and a heterogeneous etiology, rendering it of significant public health import. Despite this, there is still a significant delay to treatment as well as low rate of lifetime treatment contact in the ADHD population, which may potentially increase the associated personal and public health burdens. Due to this delay to treatment and requirement of symptom onset before the age of 12, adults seeking ADHD assessments provide a challenge to clinicians to determine if symptoms were present in childhood. The current study investigated the consistency …

Altered Network Organization And Screen Time Use In Childhood Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd), Elizabeth Jane Hawkey

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with alterations in functional connectivity involving networks in the developing brain that support optimal cognitive control. However, a clear profile of altered connectivity has yet to emerge, and it remains unclear whether changes in behavioral patterns such as screen time (ST) contribute to ADHD symptomatology and altered connectivity in networks that support cognitive control. The current study examined connectivity between large-scale networks associated with cognitive control (CC), measures of executive function (EF) which index CC, and ST in children with ADHD. Methods: Our sample included 11,874 children (ages 9-11, 52% male) …

The Relationship Between Different Forms Of Exercise And Adhd Symptomatology, Matthew A. Reynolds

Master's Theses

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with executive function deficits as well as negative life outcomes in both childhood and adulthood. Current treatments to reduce symptoms of ADHD include stimulant medications that act as catecholamine agonists. These medications often cause undesirable side effects, to which end better understanding the effects of non- pharmacological treatments on symptoms of ADHD is critical. Research conducted in children suggests that exercise may be an effective tool for symptom reduction. However, the relationship between exercise and ADHD symptoms remains unclear for adults. The aim of this study was to address this …

Medication Versus Brain-Based Treatment: Evaluation Treatment Preferences Of Parents Of Children With Adhd, Rebecca Recio-Swift

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders across the world. Currently, treatment for ADHD mostly consists of either medication or behavioral therapy or a combination of both. However, research has shown that medication used as therapy for the treatment of ADHD has side effects which parents deem undesirable for their children. Therefore, recent research has focused on patient and parent preferences. Studies have found that behavioral or other treatment options may often be chosen over medications. These same studies have documented the characteristics of parents that prefer certain treatments for their children. The purpose of this …

The Development And Validation Of An Automated Screener Of Attention, Rachel Bridges

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has demonstrated a strong relationship between symptoms of ADHD and academic underachievement. Interventions specific to academic deficits in children with ADHD are available, which are most effective if implemented before secondary concerns arise. Performance based screening is one method for determining the need for early intervention, yet extant measures of attention have limitations for the purposes of large-scale screening. The current study evaluated the psychometric properties and guiding conceptual model of a novel instrument of executive functioning—the GNG Screen— which measures response inhibition via a go/no-go paradigm. Results from Rasch modeling and exploratory factor analysis provide preliminary psychometric …

The Barriers To The Timely Diagnosis And Treatment Of Adhd By Advanced Practice Nurses In The Pediatric Primary Care Setting, Annette Kowalczyk

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: This purpose of the study was to identify barriers to diagnosing and treating attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD) in pediatric primary care. Method: This study utilized a survey tool sent to Advanced Practice Nurse members of the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board in March of 2020 and gathered information from 415 participants. Results: In a linear regression analysis, participants who received ADHD specific training showed a significantly increased level of comfort in overall ADHD management (p<0.001). Providers who are screening, diagnosing and managing ADHD most often, are also the most comfortable in doing so. Discussion: Barriers to the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD include the lack of training as it relates to varying levels of decreased provider comfort, absence of schedule II prescribing authority for APNs in some states and provider bias towards treating and managing ADHD.

The Association Among Executive Functioning, Self-Efficacy And Adhd With Attitudes Towards Online Learning, Alice Sperry

Honors Theses

Prior research has shown that worse executive function and lower self-efficacy are associated with learning differences such as ADHD and associated with psychiatric diagnoses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction among executive function, self-efficacy, attitudes towards online learning and learning differences. Fifty-one participants completed a survey which assessed executive function, self-efficacy, attitudes towards online learning and also asked demographic questions. The results indicated that students with learning differences and students with a psychiatric diagnosis had significantly worse executive function than students without a diagnosis. Students with a learning difference were also found to have significantly lower …

Prenatal Polysubstance Exposure (Ppe) And Adhd: Comparison Of Behavior Profiles In Children And Adolescents, Rana Tanios

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Previous research reveals pervasive polysubstance use during pregnancy, with widespread neurological, cognitive, and behavioral deficits that have lasting implications for both adults and children with prenatal polysubstance exposure (PPE; Behnke et al., 2013; Forray, 2016). Early PPE identification leads to improved long-term outcomes. However, identifying PPE is difficult due to underreported use, absent dysmorphic features, and behaviorally similar profiles to other psychiatric conditions, with ADHD identified as the most common referral and most prevalent diagnosis assigned for children with PPE (Chasnoff et al., 2010). Despite similar behavioral symptoms, emerging data reveal a specific neurological profile for PPE distinct from ADHD, …

The Relation Of Therapist Behaviors To Treatment Engagement And Outcomes In Pcit, Kristine Gese Ba

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) has proven to be a very effective treatment for child behavioral problems, however, PCIT does not benefit all families equally, presumably at least partly because therapists may not be equally effective in coaching their clients. Although researchers have proposed several dimensions of therapist coaching behaviors that are considered desirable, few of these have been empirically examined in relation to family engagement or child outcomes. Data from two clinical trials examining the effectiveness of culturally modified versions of PCIT (GANA and PersIn), were used to investigate which of several therapist coaching behaviors (brevity, positivity, consistency, accuracy, …

Improving Neurodiverse Relationships: Comparing Relational Quality And Maintenance Channels In Individuals With And Without Adhd, Jessica A. Kahlow

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) process information differently than neurotypical individuals and, consequently, experience behavioral, cognitive, and mood-related problems that are associated with low relational quality and insecure attachment orientations. This dissertation draws on minority stress theory (MST) and channel expansion theory (CET) to understand whether adults with ADHD use specific maintenance strategies and communication technologies to improve their relationships. Specifically, this dissertation advances theories surrounding relational maintenance and relational development by comparing how individuals with and without ADHD use different channels to maintain their relationships and how this influences relational quality over time. Individuals with (n = 59) …

Minoritized Student Experiences With Psychoeducational Service Provision For Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Megan E. Golson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Due to the impact of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on students' academic, social, and behavioral outcomes, it is important students receive supportive interventions. Federal regulation requires schools identify students with disabilities like ADHD and provide them with accommodations and supports as needed. Unfortunately, the research that supports these interventions does not adequately include students from racially/ethnically minoritized groups. Due to factors like discrimination and stereotyping, racially/ethnically minoritized students may experience ADHD and ADHD services differently. This study included 35 minoritized adolescent students who receive ADHD services. Through an online survey, students reported their symptom experiences, the academic and social effects of ADHD, …

Controlled Evaluation Of A Family-Based Optimization Intervention Implemented Through Video-Conferencing To Address Adhd And Oppositional Defiant Disorder In An Adolescent Athlete, Dereck Davy Phrathep

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Adolescent athletes with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) experience unique challenges that impact their sport performance, such as making errors due to poor concentration and adverse relationships with referees due to poor anger management. Pharmacological treatments have shown to be successful in treating ADHD comorbid with ODD. However, there are negative consequences for pharmacological treatments for adolescent athletes (e.g., banned by sports organizations). Well-established behavioral interventions for ADHD and ODD in non-athlete populations have included family-based, cognitive-behavioral approaches. However, none of these interventions have been evaluated in competitive adolescent athletes. The current case trial involved …

Tiny Tusk Internship: The Relationship Between Duration Of Breastfeeding And The Development Of Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, Mckenna Gribble

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that remains highly prevalent in the youth community, yet its cause cannot be definitively placed. With the idea that this condition is primarily targeting children, the problem and possible solution may lie in infancy. The purpose of this literature review was to integrate evidence from studies published from 2015 to 2021 on the relationships between duration of breastfeeding during infancy and the development of ADHD. The results of this review supported the hypothesis that a longer duration of breastfeeding has a protective effect on childhood development and reduces the risk of developing ADHD …

Effects Of Neonatal Ethanol Exposure In Normal And Dopamine Deficient Rats, Jessica Luz Razo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. In rodents, neonatal 6-OHDA lesions is an established model of ADHD because it produces symptoms of hyperactivity and cognitive deficits that improve following psychostimulant treatment. Recently, early alcohol exposure in rodents has also been suggested as a model of ADHD due to the high prevalence of ADHD in children exposed prenatally to alcohol. However, children exposed to prenatal alcohol differ in symptoms from children with idiopathic ADHD, suggesting that ADHD caused by prenatal alcohol exposure may be a special subtype of ADHD or a …

Observation And Detection Of Adhd Malingering In College Students, Zoe Tenner

Honors Theses

The rate of college students attempting to obtain Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in order to gain access to prescription stimulant medications has shown a large increase over the past 20 years. Research has also shown that college students are frequently able to convincingly present themselves as meeting clinical criteria for ADHD with relative ease, meaning that the barrier to false presentation for the purpose of obtaining inappropriately prescribed medication is minimal. There is a need for more concise, accurate tools to detect these efforts in clinical settings, which is an area of research pursued by members of the University of …

Frequency Of Illicit Use Of Prescription Stimulants Is Associated With Perceived Adhd Symptoms, Justin Mendonca

Theses and Dissertations

The frequency of illicit use of prescription stimulants (IUPS) was examined in relation to known risk factors. A hierarchical linear regression (N = 903) was used to evaluate self-reported past-year IUPS and demographic variables. Gender (p < .05), race (p < .05), and GPA (p < .01) were significantly associated with the frequency of past-year illicit use. However, Greek organization membership status, perceived ADHD symptoms and access to prescription stimulant medication were not significant individual correlates of past-year IUPS. Additional analyses were conducted on the user subgroup (n = 101) to determine whether these relationships were similar compared to the general sample. Among users, ASRS Inattention and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Subscale scores were significantly associated with the frequency of past-year IUPS (p < .05), even after accounting for gender, race, and GPA. Interpretations of these findings and implications for future research are discussed.

Parent-Child Relationships And Student Outcomes In Children: A Comparison Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Angela Kladias

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

The current study investigated the connection between parent-child relationships, academic achievement, and child attitudes in school-aged children both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, I examined relationships among parent- and child-perceived emotional closeness, attitudes toward school, and child achievement in elementary and middle school aged children. The current study examined associations between parent-child relationship factors and academic student outcomes, comparing these associations both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Differences in student outcomes were examined based off of COVID-19 circumstances as well as what level of emotional closeness and interaction the parents and child have. Attitudes and achievement of …

Adhd Performance On Nonverbal Measures Of Set Shifting And Working Memory, S. Hans Stoltzfus

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The relationship between language and cognition is an area of inquiry among many psychologists (Pellicano, 2010; Russel, 1996). The connection between thoughts, verbal language, and nonverbal communication turned researchers towards the relationship between language and executive functioning. Executive functioning (EF) is described as tasks involving working memory, inhibition, and set shifting (Miyake and Friedman (2012)). Despite studies demonstrating the correlation between language deficits and lower executive functioning there is not consensus on the directionality of the relationship (Kuhn, et al 2014; Boting et al., 2017). Data from the Leiter International Performance Scale, Third Edition (Leiter-3) (Roid, et al., 2013) were …

Supporting The Teaching Of Executive Functioning Skills Using Social Cognitive Theory In Arts Classrooms, Kathleen H. Adolt-Silva

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many arts educators in Pennsylvania public charter schools do not teach executive functioning (EF) skills to students with learning disabilities (LDs) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this study was to investigate how these art teachers describe their own EF instructional practices and what support they need to improve those practices. The conceptual framework that grounded this study was Bandura’s social cognitive theory, which asserts that learning occurs in a social context with a reciprocal relationship between students, their teachers, and the environment. Research questions were used to explore art teachers’ perceptions of teaching EF skills and …

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In The Forensic Population, Amanda Joanne George

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are overrepresented in the forensic population, but there is a lack of research explaining this phenomenon. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to investigate if higher levels of ADHD symptoms result in higher levels of criminal thinking or reasoning and whether gender influences levels of criminal thinking when controlling for levels of ADHD symptoms. Lastly, this study was designed to determine if higher levels of ADHD symptoms correlate with higher numbers of incarcerations across the general adult population. Gestalt versus feature intensive processing theory was used in this study to better …

Parental Involvement And Academic Achievement Of Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Marie Myrlene Dupont-Krommie

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have persistently encountered academic difficulties resulting from their struggles to cope with educational standard rules hindering their academic achievement. Parental involvement significantly provides an optimistic effect on students' academic achievement; however, there is sparse literature that focuses on the effect of parental involvement on the academic achievement of children with ADHD. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the involvement of parents of children diagnosed with ADHD through their academic life, explore those parents' perceptions of themselves as contributors in their children's academic lives, report their views as influential participants in …