This thesis tests the hypothesis proposed by Liemkuhler (1994) relating to the development of a cluster of personality styles among ADHD adolescents. Liemkuhler suggests that it is a neurobiological dysfunction, through its interaction with psychodynamic and cognitive processes that predisposes the ADHD adolescent to the development of certain personality styles. An absence of appropriate intervention and support increases the risk of these personality styles developing into clinical syndromes. To determine whether differences in personality styles do exist between ADHD adolescents and adolescents without ADHD, the NED Five Factor Inventory (NEDFFI) was group administered to a sample of 25 adolescents who were previously diagnosed as having ADHD (referred to as the ' research group') and 25 controls (referred to as the ' control group') who were matched for age and educational level. Five testable hypotheses were formulated for each of the five personality scales. A comparison of each of the five scales between the research group and the control group yielded no significant result to support Liemkuhler's hypothesis. However, a comparison of the five scales within each group (either the research group or the control group) produced several significant differences. Significant correlations were also found between scales for each group. On the basis of these results it is suggested that specific differences in the facets (traits) that are measured by each of the five personality scales may exist for each group, as opposed to overall group differences in personality styles. It is further proposed that the facets that are tapped may be explained on the basis of assumed differences in the neurobiological and cognitive functioning of both groups. It is tentatively concluded that the results may provide partial support for Liemkuhler's hypothesis. However, it is acknowledged that the complexity of Liemkulher's argument warrants further and more detailed research. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common psychiatric disorder affecting 5-10% of child and 4% of the adult population. The disorder involves both behavioural problems and cognitive deficits, which are believed to be associated with neurological differences seen in this population. There has been increasing interest in understanding the cognitive deficits and neurological basis associated with ADHD. Neuropsychological examinations are an affordable tool, which can be used to improve our understanding of the cognitive deficits associated with the disorder and aid in clinical care. Currently, there is no standardized neuropsychological assessment that can be used in this population. In order to assist in developing a sound, predominately computerized test battery, which would assess deficits commonly seen in adults with ADHD, a neuropsychological project was piloted to examine recruitment and test utility. The majority of the tests were computerized and had population norms. The test battery was piloted on 8 patients on and off medication, and 4 patients completed the test battery twice off medication to examine potential practice effects. A discussion of feasibility and utility of the neuropsychological test battery for adults with ADHD ensues.

The psychosocial functioning of the families of clinic-referred adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was evaluated in two studies. Study 1 examined the psychiatric and psychological difficulties of married adults with ADHD and their spouses, with a focus on the quality of their marital adjustment and family functioning. Study 2 focused on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, the psychological functioning, and the social functioning of children with ADHD parents. / Results revealed that married adults with ADHD had higher rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders and more psychological distress than non-ADHD control adults. The spouses of adults with ADHD did not differ in rates of psychiatric disorders from the control spouses, however, they reported significantly higher levels of current psychological distress. Greater marital and family dysfunction were reported by adults with ADHD than control adults. The spouses of ADHD adults, however, did not report greater marital and family dysfunction than the spouses of controls. / The children of ADHD adults were found to be at high risk for ADHD. Forty-three percent of the children met DSM-IV criteria for the disorder. The children with ADHD were found to have higher rates of comorbid disorders, more psychological difficulties, and significantly poorer social functioning than the control children. The non-ADHD children of ADHD adults were not found to differ from control children on these measures. Having a parent without a psychiatric disorder in the home was found to have a protective effect on behavior problems in the non-ADHD children. / Together, these studies suggest that evaluating the functioning of family members and the health of the family relationships are important when assessing clinic-referred adults with ADHD. These results suggest that involving family members in the therapeutic process may be beneficial.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Göteborg : Göteborgs universitet, 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 2004. / Adviser: Rosemary Tannock.

Thesis (Ph. D. in Psychology)--Vanderbilt University, Dec. 2008. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Commonwealth University, 2007. / Prepared for: School of Allied Health Professions . Bibliography: leaves 96 - 114. Also available online via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--George Mason University, 2008. / Vita: p. 107. Thesis director: Johannes Rojahn. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Oct. 15, 2008). Includes bibliographical references (p. 96-106). Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education, 2008. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on July 10, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 110-116). Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Lehigh University, 1997. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 142-153).