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Neuropsicologia Latinoamericana

On-line version ISSN 2075-9479

Abstract

Executive functions in an adult with ADHD: neuropsychological assessment as a useful diagnostic tool. Neuropsicologia Latinoamericana [online]. 2014, vol.6, n.2, pp. 35-41. ISSN 2075-9479.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5579/rnl.2013.0214.

Executive functions (EF) are a set of components that allow an individual to focus his/her behavior towards problem solving. Neuropsychological assessment plays a key role in identifying executive dysfunction. This study aimed to characterize the executive profile of a female patient aged 26 years old, an undergraduate student, suffering from ADHD combined type. Neuropsychological assessment was conducted based on medical history, clinical interviews, observations, and Brazilian versions of standardized instruments: Frontal Assessment Battery, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - WAIS-III, D2 Test, Hayling Test and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, besides the Brazilian Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Battery NEUPSILIN. Results indicate dysfunctions in executive components such as inhibitory control, working memory, planning, cognitive flexibility, in co-occurrence with a procrastinator decision-making behavior. There were no deficits in verbal fluency, inferential processing and simple problems solving. Executive dysfunction's identification may be a warning to practitioners regarding the impact of symptoms on daily life of patients with ADHD. In addition, the need for treatment and which could contribute to differential diagnosis of ADHD approaches more specific to this psychopathology may be taken into account, in order to associate psychotherapy techniques to executive functions rehabilitation.

Keywords : Neuropsychological assessment; Executive functions; ADHD.

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