Differential Effects of Methylphenidate on Problem Solving in Adults With ADHD

作者：Tucha Lara^*; Tucha Oliver; Sontag Thomas A; Stasik Dorota; Laufkoetter Rainer; Lange Klaus W

来源：Journal of Attention Disorders, 2011, 15(2): 161-173.

DOI：10.1177/1087054709356391

• ADHD
• adulthood
• problem solving
• Tower of London
• verbal fluency
• methylphenidate

Objective: Two studies were performed to assess both divergent and convergent thinking in adults with ADHD. Method: The first study compared the problem-solving abilities of healthy participants (N = 144) and unmedicated adults with ADHD (N = 144). In the second study, problem-solving abilities of adults with diagnosed ADHD (N = 22) were examined twice, that is, on and off methylphenidate (MPH), and compared with the performance of a healthy control group (N = 22). Convergent thinking was measured using a Tower of London task, whereas divergent thinking was assessed using verbal fluency tasks. Results: Adults with ADHD off MPH displayed marked deficits of both divergent and convergent thinking. MPH treatment resulted in a marked improvement of convergent thinking, while no effect of medication was found regarding divergent thinking. Conclusion: Pharmacological treatment of adults with ADHD revealed a differential effect of MPH on problem solving abilities. (I. of Att. Dis. 2011; 15(2) 161-173)

• 出版日期2011-2