The role of neuropsychological profiles in adult ADHD and ischemic stroke : Implications for clinical practice

This thesis assesses cognitive functions by means of the WAIS-IV in adults with ADHD and in patients with a first-ever unilateral, ischemic stroke in comparison to a control group. In addition, the contribution of self-reports for predicting cognitive functioning in adults with ADHD is evaluated. The results on adults with ADHD reveal deficits in cognitive functions when compared to a control group. Lower performances appear to be robust with respect to comorbidity and medication. No relationship between self-reported symptoms and cognitive performance can be found. With respect to patients with a stroke, it is demonstrated that both right hemisphere stroke (RHS) and left hemisphere stroke (LHS) patients are likely to have significant impairments in all domains of cognitive functions compared to a control group. RHS patients are particularly deficient in measures requiring visuo-spatial abilities and LHS patients in those with language and processing speed demands.