View in EDS PDF Full Text

Relationship between executive function alterations and academic performance in university students at risk of ADHD.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Relationship between executive function alterations and academic performance in university students at risk of ADHD.
Alternate Title: Relación entre alteraciones en la función ejecutiva y el rendimiento académico en universitarios con riesgo de TDAH.
Authors: Romero-Zavala, Dafne1, Sánchez-Cervantes, Yesica1, Pedraza-Medina, Ricardo1,2, Ortiz-Valladares, Minerva1,3 movalladares@ucol.mx
Source: Revista Mexicana de Neurociencia. Jan/Feb2026, Vol. 27 Issue 1, p27-35. 9p.
Subjects: EXECUTIVE function, ATTENTION-deficit hyperactivity disorder, GENDER differences (Sociology), PREFRONTAL cortex, COLLEGE students, NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests, MEDICAL screening, ACADEMIC achievement
Abstract (English): Objective: This study aims to identify executive function (EF) deficits associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk and their impact on academic performance (AP) among Mexican university students. Methods: The adult ADHD self-report scale v1.1 was administered to 200 university students. A total of 103 students scored within the high-risk range for ADHD. In the second phase of the study, students at high risk for ADHD were invited to undergo a neuropsychological evaluation. Forty-four students (18 men and 26 women) completed the Neuropsychological Battery of Frontal and EF to assess EF. AP was determined based on the average high school and university scores, verified through official school records. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance and correlation tests to explore relationships among the variables. Results: Over 50% of the evaluated participants met the criteria for high ADHD risk, highlighting a high prevalence of undiagnosed symptoms. EF impairments were observed, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Despite achieving higher AP, women scored significantly lower on EF tasks compared to men. A positive correlation was found between orbitofrontal cortex functioning and AP. In men, higher ADHD risk was negatively associated with EF efficiency. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of implementing systematic ADHD screening strategies in university settings. They also suggest the potential presence of compensatory mechanisms in women at high risk for ADHD. Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions aimed at enhancing EFs and supporting academic success in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish): Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como propósito identificar los déficits en funciones ejecutivas asociados al riesgo de TDAH y su impacto en el desempeño académico de jóvenes universitarios mexicanos. Métodos: Se aplicó la Escala de Autoinforme para el TDAH en Adultos (ASRS v1.1) a 200 estudiantes universitarios. Un total de 103 estudiantes obtuvieron un puntaje indicativo de alto riesgo para TDAH. En la segunda fase del estudio, los estudiantes con alto riego para TDAH fueron invitados a una evaluación neuropsicológica, 44 estudiantes (18 hombres y 26 mujeres) completaron la Batería Neuropsicológica de Funciones Frontales y Ejecutivas (BANFE-3), con el objetivo de evaluar su desempeño en funciones ejecutivas. Asimismo, el rendimiento académico se determinó a partir del promedio de calificaciones en educación media superior y universitaria, verificado mediante documentos escolares oficiales. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos mediante ANOVA y pruebas de correlación para explorar las relaciones entre las variables. Resultados: Más del 50% de los participantes evaluados cumplieron con los criterios de alto riesgo para TDAH, lo que evidencia una alta prevalencia de síntomas no diagnosticados. Se observaron alteraciones en funciones ejecutivas, particularmente en la corteza prefrontal dorsolateral (CPFDL). A pesar de registrar un mejor rendimiento académico, las mujeres obtuvieron puntajes significativamente más bajos en funciones ejecutivas en comparación con los hombres. Además, se identificó una correlación positiva entre el funcionamiento de la corteza orbitofrontal y el rendimiento académico. En los hombres, un mayor riesgo de TDAH se asoció negativamente con la eficiencia en funciones ejecutivas. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos subrayan la relevancia de implementar estrategias de detección sistemática del TDAH en el ámbito universitario. Asimismo, sugieren la posible existencia de mecanismos compensatorios en mujeres con alto riesgo de TDAH. Se requiere investigación adicional para diseñar intervenciones dirigidas a fortalecer las funciones ejecutivas y favorecer el desempeño académico en esta población. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Neurociencia is the property of Academia Mexicana de Neurologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: MedicLatina
Description
Abstract:Objective: This study aims to identify executive function (EF) deficits associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk and their impact on academic performance (AP) among Mexican university students. Methods: The adult ADHD self-report scale v1.1 was administered to 200 university students. A total of 103 students scored within the high-risk range for ADHD. In the second phase of the study, students at high risk for ADHD were invited to undergo a neuropsychological evaluation. Forty-four students (18 men and 26 women) completed the Neuropsychological Battery of Frontal and EF to assess EF. AP was determined based on the average high school and university scores, verified through official school records. Statistical analyses included analysis of variance and correlation tests to explore relationships among the variables. Results: Over 50% of the evaluated participants met the criteria for high ADHD risk, highlighting a high prevalence of undiagnosed symptoms. EF impairments were observed, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Despite achieving higher AP, women scored significantly lower on EF tasks compared to men. A positive correlation was found between orbitofrontal cortex functioning and AP. In men, higher ADHD risk was negatively associated with EF efficiency. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of implementing systematic ADHD screening strategies in university settings. They also suggest the potential presence of compensatory mechanisms in women at high risk for ADHD. Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions aimed at enhancing EFs and supporting academic success in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:16655044
DOI:10.24875/RMN.25000016