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. 2021 Jun;25(8):1177-1186.
doi: 10.1177/1087054719894384. Epub 2019 Dec 14.

Cognition, ADHD Symptoms, and Functional Impairment in Children and Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Jonathan M Payne  1   2 , Kristina M Haebich  1 , Rachel MacKenzie  3 , Karin S Walsh  4 , Stephen J C Hearps  1 , David Coghill  1   2 , Belinda Barton  5   6 , Natalie A Pride  5   6 , Nicole J Ullrich  7 , James H Tonsgard  8 , David Viskochil  9 , Elizabeth K Schorry  10 , Laura Klesse  11 , Michael J Fisher  12 , David H Gutmann  13 , Tena Rosser  14 , Roger J Packer  4 , Bruce Korf  15 , Maria T Acosta  4 , Mark A Bellgrove  16 , Kathryn N North  1   2
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Cognition, ADHD Symptoms, and Functional Impairment in Children and Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Jonathan M Payne et al. J Atten Disord. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: We examined the contribution of attention and executive cognitive processes to ADHD symptomatology in NF1, as well as the relationships between cognition and ADHD symptoms with functional outcomes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 141 children and adolescents with NF1. Children were administered neuropsychological tests that assessed attention and executive function, from which latent cognitive variables were derived. ADHD symptomatology, adaptive skills, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using parent-rated questionnaires. Path analyses were conducted to test relationships among cognitive functioning, ADHD symptomatology, and functional outcomes. Results: Significant deficits were observed on all outcome variables. Cognitive variables did not predict ADHD symptomatology. Neither did they predict functional outcomes. However, elevated ADHD symptomatology significantly predicted functional outcomes. Conclusion: Irrespective of cognitive deficits, elevated ADHD symptoms in children with NF1 negatively impact daily functioning and emphasize the importance of interventions aimed at minimizing ADHD symptoms in NF1.

Keywords: ADHD; cognition; executive function; functional impairment; neurofibromatosis type 1.

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