Cognition in Adolescents with ADHD and Depression (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for: Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, and School Psychologists

Course By: Ken Springer, PhD

Content By: Roy, A., Oldehinkel, A. J., & Hartman, C. A. (2017). Cognitive functioning in adolescents with self-reported ADHD and depression: Results from a population-based study. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 45, 69-81.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-016-0160-x 

Course Description: Although much is known about how ADHD and depression each impact cognitive functioning in adolescence, few studies have examined whether the comorbidity of these disorders creates a unique cognitive profile. In the present study, cognitive functions such as attention, processing speed, and response inhibition were measured in adolescents representing four diagnostic groups: ADHD and depression, ADHD only, depression only, and healthy (neither ADHD nor depression). Measurements were obtained at ages 11 (baseline) and 19 (follow-up). The researchers found that working memory maintenance at follow-up was poorer among adolescents with ADHD and depression than among those with depression only and those who were healthy. Adolescents with ADHD exhibited poorer response time variability at baseline, as compared to adolescents with depression and healthy adolescents, but those with ADHD improved by follow-up. No differences were observed between adolescents with ADHD who had versus did not have depression, a finding which suggests that the comorbidity of ADHD and depression is not associated with a unique cognitive profile. These and other results have implications for better understanding the cognitive functioning of adolescents who suffer from ADHD, depression, or a combination of the two.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the rationale for the study and the methods used to gather data
2. Describe the main findings of the study concerning relationships among ADHD, depression, and cognitive functioning
3. Integrate the strengths and limitations of the study, and summarize the clinical implications for supporting adolescents with ADHD and/or depression

Course Outline:

• Read and understand Cognitive functioning in adolescents with self-reported ADHD and depression: Results from a population-based study
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Understand the rationale for examining whether the comorbidity of ADHD and depression creates a distinctive cognitive profile among adolescents
• Understand how the four study groups were identified and tested at baseline and follow-up
• Analyze the differences in cognitive functioning between the groups at baseline and follow-up
• Integrate the study's key findings, strengths, limitations, and clinical implications
• Work through the post-test questions, using the article as the sole basis for your answers
• Revisit the article for any missed questions and/or to better understand how cognitive functioning in adolescence is influenced by ADHD and depression

Approvals: