The Effect of Neurocognitive Function on Math Computation in Pediatric ADHD: Moderating Influences of Anxious Perfectionism and Gender

Alexandra Sturm; Michelle Rozenman; John C Piacentini; James J McGough; Sandra K Loo; James T McCracken

doi:10.1007/s10578-018-0798-4

The Effect of Neurocognitive Function on Math Computation in Pediatric ADHD: Moderating Influences of Anxious Perfectionism and Gender

Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2018 Oct;49(5):822-832. doi: 10.1007/s10578-018-0798-4.

Authors

Alexandra Sturm¹, Michelle Rozenman², John C Piacentini^{3

2}, James J McGough², Sandra K Loo^{3

2}, James T McCracken²

Affiliations

¹ Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. asturm@mednet.ucla.edu.
² Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
³ Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Abstract

Predictors of math achievement in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not well-known. To address this gap in the literature, we examined individual differences in neurocognitive functioning domains on math computation in a cross-sectional sample of youth with ADHD. Gender and anxiety symptoms were explored as potential moderators. The sample consisted of 281 youth (aged 8-15 years) diagnosed with ADHD. Neurocognitive tasks assessed auditory-verbal working memory, visuospatial working memory, and processing speed. Auditory-verbal working memory speed significantly predicted math computation. A three-way interaction revealed that at low levels of anxious perfectionism, slower processing speed predicted poorer math computation for boys compared to girls. These findings indicate the uniquely predictive values of auditory-verbal working memory and processing speed on math computation, and their differential moderation. These findings provide preliminary support that gender and anxious perfectionism may influence the relationship between neurocognitive functioning and academic achievement.

Keywords: ADHD; Anxiety; Math achievement; Neurocognitive function; Working memory.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

Achievement
Adolescent
Anxiety* / diagnosis
Anxiety* / etiology
Anxiety* / psychology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Mathematics*
Memory, Short-Term
Mental Status and Dementia Tests*
Perfectionism*
Sex Factors
Young Adult

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding