Browsing by Author "Wilska, Karoliina"

Objectives. Childhood ADHD has been linked to dysfunctions in executive functioning, lower level of education and poorer occupational functioning in young adulthood but long-term developmental course of ADHD beyond 30 years age is still poorly understood. The present study examines executive functioning, level of education, current employment and subjective working capacity at the age of 40 in adults who have had perinatal risks related ADHD in childhood. Associations between executive function tests and occupational functioning are also examined. Methods. The present study is part of a larger longitudinal birth cohort research project examining long-term effects of perinatal risk factors. The cohort has been followed since 1970's. The present sample includes individuals with perinatal risks associated childhood ADHD (n = 31), individuals with perinatal risk factors without childhood ADHD (n = 145) and control individuals without perinatal risks or childhood ADHD (n = 36). Executive functioning was examined by using traditional neuropsychological tests as well as computerized assessment methods. Results and conclusions. Adults with perinatal risks related childhood ADHD had poorer functioning in some of the executive function tests. Poorer performance was detected especially in the area of cognitive flexibility. Adults with perinatal risks but without childhood ADHD did not differ from controls in executive functioning which suggests that perinatal risks alone without ADHD symptoms do not affect executive functioning in adulthood. The group with perinatal risks related childhood ADHD also had lower education level compared to controls. No significant associations were found between executive function tests and occupational functioning. It appears that childhood ADHD with perinatal risk factors can have mild long-term effects to executive functioning extending to 40 years age. This emphasizes the significance of early support directed to risk groups.