A Preliminary Investigation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Characteristics in Adults Who Stutter

• Published in: Journal of speech, language, and hearing research language, and hearing research, 2021-03, Vol.64 (3), p.839-853
• Main Authors: Tichenor, Seth E, Johnson, Chelsea A, Yaruss, J. Scott
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Adults; Analysis; Attention Deficit Disorders; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Brain research; Children; Control Groups; Demographic aspects; Hyperactivity; Impulsivity; Individual Differences; Investigations; Profiles; Quality of life; Questionnaires; Stuttering
• ISSN: 1092-4388; 1558-9102
• DOI: 10.1044/2020_JSLHR-20-00237

Purpose: Recent studies have shown that many children who stutter may have elevated characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although childhood ADHD commonly persists into adulthood, it is unclear how many adults who stutter experience aspects of ADHD (e.g., inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity). This study sought to increase understanding of how ADHD characteristics might affect individuals who stutter by evaluating (a) whether elevated ADHD characteristics are common in adults who stutter, (b) whether elevated ADHD characteristics in adults who stutter were significantly associated with greater adverse impact related to stuttering, and (c) whether individual differences in Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) and Effortful Control influenced this relationship. Method: Two hundred fifty-four adults who stutter completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire, the Adult Temperament Questionnaire short form, and the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed via multiple linear regression to determine whether the number of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity characteristics was significantly associated with RNT, Effortful Control, or Adverse Impact related to stuttering. Results: Almost one quarter of participants (23.2%; 60/254) self-reported experiencing six or more inattention characteristics, while fewer participants (8.3%; 21/254) self-reported experiencing six or more hyperactivity/impulsivity characteristics. Participants with lower Effortful Control and higher levels of both RNT and Adverse Impact were significantly more likely to self-report experiencing more inattention characteristics. Discussion: Many adults who stutter may exhibit previously unaccounted for characteristics of ADHD, especially inattention. Results highlight the value of continued research on the intersectionality of stuttering, ADHD, and attention, and the importance of individualizing therapy to the needs of each unique person who stutters.