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

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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.

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Funding

This work was partially supported by NIMH P50 MH “Translational Research to Enhance Cognitive Control” [McCracken] and NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Science UCLA CTSI UL1TR000124 [Rozenman]. The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the children and their parents who participated in this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Alexandra Sturm, John C. Piacentini & Sandra K. Loo

  2. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Michelle Rozenman, John C. Piacentini, James J. McGough, Sandra K. Loo & James T. McCracken

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  1. Alexandra Sturm
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  2. Michelle Rozenman
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  3. John C. Piacentini
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Correspondence to Alexandra Sturm.

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Sturm, A., Rozenman, M., Piacentini, J.C. et al. The Effect of Neurocognitive Function on Math Computation in Pediatric ADHD: Moderating Influences of Anxious Perfectionism and Gender. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 49, 822–832 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-018-0798-4

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