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Category: Project

Description: Previous studies have indicated a consistent profile of basic personality traits correlated with adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (e.g., Ranseen, Campbell, & Baer, 1998; Nigg et al., 2002). In particular, research has found that low scores of the Conscientiousness trait and high scores on Neuroticism have been correlated with ADHD symptomatology. However, to date there is limited information concerning the range of effect resulting from medication treatment for adult ADHD. During an 18 month period, 60 adults were diagnosed with ADHD based on strict, DSM-IV criteria at an outpatient clinic. This evaluation included a battery of neuropsychological tests and a measure of general personality (i.e., the NEO PI-R). Eleven of these participants returned to complete the battery a second time. The pre-post comparisons revealed significant changes following sustained stimulant treatment on both the neuropsychological and self-report measures. These individuals also displayed significant changes on two domains of the NEO PI-R. They showed a significant decrease on the domain of Neuroticism, indicating that now see themselves as less prone to experience negative emotional states such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, they also reported a significant increase on their scores on the domain of conscientiousness. This increase suggests that they see themselves as more organized and dependable.