Lee A. Rosén

Self-regulation of affect in attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and non-ADHD boys : Differences in empathic responding

This study examined differences in empathy and other emotions between boys with and without attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Empathy was measured by an empathy response task (ERT) and through self- and parent reports of emotion. On the ERT, children responded verbally to 8 fictitious stories. Results from the ERT revealed that boys with ADHD were less empathic than boys without ADHD. Boys with ADHD less frequently matched the emotion they identified in the character with the one identified in themselves and gave fewer character-centered interpretations in their descriptions of the characters emotion. Parent-report data revealed that boys with ADHD exhibited more behavioral manifestations of sadness, anger, and guilt than did boys without ADHD. No differences were found, however, on measures of emotional intensity or emotional reactions to external contingencies. The results are discussed with respect to current theories of ADHD.

Diversity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a debilitating disorder which affects children and adults in this country and around the world. Diversity variables such as ethnicity, age, gender, and socioeconomic status have been relatively neglected in ADHD research. Additionally, these variables have not traditionally been incorporated into clinical assessment, diagnosis, or intervention strategies. A review of the existing literature regarding diversity issues and ADHD was conducted, including a review of international findings. Implications for clinicians and researchers are incorporated.

Driving anger and other driving-related behaviors in high and low ADHD symptom college students

This study examined differences between college students with high and low symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Fifty-nine introductory psychology students completed ADHD diagnostic measures and were compared on measures of driving anger and driving anger expression; accident-rotated, aggressive, and risky driving behaviors; general anger; and general anger expression. Results indicated high ADHD symptom college students experience more driving anger, display such anger in more hostile/ aggressive ways, are more aggressive and risky on the road, experience more crash-related outcomes, are more generally angry, and tend to display anger in socially unacceptable ways. Results are discussed In regard to the understanding and treatment of ADHD.

Driving Anger and Driving Behavior in Adults With ADHD

Objective: This study assesses whether anger in the context of driving is associated with the negative driving outcomes experienced by individuals with ADHD. Method: ADHD adults (n = 56) complete measures of driving anger, driving anger expression, angry thoughts behind the wheel, and aggressive, risky, and crash-related behavior. Results are compared to two non-ADHD control groups: one from the same community as the ADHD sample (n = 106) but that did not complete all instruments and the other from college students (n = 432) who completed all instruments. Results: ADHD participants report more driving anger and aggressive expression through the use of their vehicle and less adaptive and constructive anger expression than their non-ADHD peers. Adult ADHD drivers rate themselves as more angry, risky, and unsafe drivers and report experiencing more losses of concentration and vehicular control than college students. Conclusion: Results are discussed with regard to drivingrelated problems for drivers with ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Evolutionary Perspective

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a significant portion of the population--some 5% of all school-aged children--and approximately half of these individuals continue to show the full disorder in adulthood. Recent studies point to a strong genetic component in the etiology of this disorder. Questions have been raised as to the relatively high prevalence of this condition in the population, given its apparent maladaptive nature in present-day society. In this article, we review and discuss three theories regarding the possible adaptive function of ADHD: the hunter, fighter, and wader theories. Although no theory entirely explains the occurrence of ADHD, it is worthwhile to note that, at least historically, ADHD may have served an adaptive function and may have been selected by the environment for survival.

A modified habit reversal procedure in a recalcitrant case of trichotillomania.

An 11-year-old girl with a severe and recalcitrant case of trichotillomania was successfully treated with a modified habit reversal procedure. Erosion estimates and serial photographic assessment methods were used to document client progress over a one-year period. Treatment effects were socially validated by attractiveness ratings of 20 same-aged children. Results extend the use of habit reversal procedures to a severe case and address the need for reliable and valid assessment procedures as well as extended follow-up.

Sports behavior of ADHD children

This study examined differences in sport behavior between boys with and without AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sport behavior was measured by parent-report on the Sports Behavior Checklist (SBC). The SBC assessed which sports the child had participated in, length of participation, aggression, emotional reactivity, frequency of injury, and frequency of disqualification across both team and individual sports settings. Results from the study showed that boys with ADHD displayed higher levels of aggression, emotional reactivity, and disqualification than did their non-ADHD peers. Additionally, both groups of boys displayed higher levels of aggression, emotional reactivity, and injury in team sports compared to individual sports. Practical implications for the parents of ADHD boys involved in sports are discussed. Results are also considered with respect to current theories of ADHD.

Recreational stimulant use among college students

This study investigated recreational (non‐medical) use of stimulant medication, such as methylphenidate and amphetamine salts, in a western United States university population. Researchers recruited students from introductory psychology courses to take a 33‐item Recreational Stimulant Use Survey that included questions on illicit drug use in addition to questions concerning recreational stimulant use. Of the 448 participants, 36% were males, and 89% were non‐Hispanic White. The results indicated that the overall prevalence rate for recreational stimulant use was 18%. In addition, recreational stimulant use correlated positively with illicit drug use. The perceived availability of stimulant medication, along with usage rates, were discussed and possible treatment options examined.

Emotional reactions in adults with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract Adults with a high number of symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were examined with regard to their emotional reactions to reward and punishment, emotional intensity, and the traits of introversion/extraversion and neuroticism. The Emotional Reactions to External Consequences Scale (ERECS) was developed to assess the strength of a persons emotion in relationship to perceived reward and punishment situations. The Emotional Intensity Scale (Bachorowski & Braaten, 1994) was used to measure the intensity of a persons emotional experience, while the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (Eysenck & Eysenck, 1975) was used as a measure of extraversion and neuroticism. When adults with high symptoms of ADHD were compared with controls, the high symptom group had lower subjective emotional responses to negative consequences and scored higher on measures of extraversion and neuroticism. There were no differences between groups on emotional intensity. The results indicate that while adults with symptoms of ADHD do not appear to differ on emotional intensity when compared with control subjects, they do appear to have a lower emotional response to situations involving punishment.

Emotional reactivity in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:

Objective: This study examined Barkley’s (1997b) theory regarding the emotional regulation of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Method: Mothers of children with and without ADHD between the ages of 6 and 15 were asked to rate their child’s emotional response on each of three measures. Results: Children with ADHD were rated as significantly more emotionally reactive to both immediate and future events than were children without ADHD. Differences at both the immediate and future time periods were stronger in response to negative as opposed to positive emotional events. In response to the consequences of their behavior, however, children with ADHD were rated as less emotionally reactive than children without ADHD. Discussion: Conclusions are made in reference to Barkley’s theory and implications are explored.