A - 124 The Impact of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) on Cognition and Function in Post-9/11 Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Published in: Archives of clinical neuropsychology 2023-10, Vol.38 (7), p.1296-1296
• Main Authors: Knight, Arielle, Kim, Sahra, Currao, Alyssa, Sablone, Caroline, Milberg, William, Fortier, Catherine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1873-5843; 1873-5843
• DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad067.141

Abstract Objective The study examines the impact of ADHD on cognitive and functional abilities in post-9/11 Veterans with PTSD. Method 313 Veterans from the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders at VA Boston with PTSD only (44.73%), with ADHD only (3.51%), with both PTSD+ADHD (8.63%), and without either condition (43.13%) were evaluated. PTSD was assessed by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-IV). ADHD was assessed by the Wender Utah Rating Scale for ADHD (WURS ≥46). WHO Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) measured general functioning. Linear regression models analyzed differences in neuropsychological (Digit Span, Stroop, FAS, Trails, Coding, California Verbal Learning Test, and the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test) and general functioning among the four groups. Results Veterans with PTSD only performed significantly worse than all other groups on Stroop–Color Naming (β = −0.77, p = 0.022), and FAS–Category Fluency (β = −1.10, p = 0.014). Veterans with both ADHD+PTSD performed significantly slower than all other groups on Trails–Number Sequencing (β = −1.65, p = 0.003). Veterans with PTSD only and with PTSD+ADHD reported significantly worse functional status (β’s = 13.56–24.74, p’s