Date of Award:

5-2013

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Gretchen Peacock

Committee

Gretchen Peacock

Committee

Amy Odum

Committee

Clint Field

Committee

Susan Crowley

Committee

Dennis Odell

Abstract

Impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors, concerns that are common for individuals with ADHD, can be measured using computerized tasks called delay and probability discounting measures. These measures can look at differences between individuals with ADHD and peers who do not have ADHD to determine how similar or different they are regarding these concerns. Individuals with ADHD often take stimulant medications, such as Ritalin or Adderall, to help reduce their impulsivity, hyperactivity, and risk-taking behaviors. The present study examined impulsivity and risk-taking for adults with ADHD while taking their stimulant medication and while not taking it, as well as comparing them to peers without ADHD using the delay and probability discounting measures.

Participants were tested on two different occasions, and adults with ADHD showed only slightly more impulsivity when they were off their stimulant medication compared to peers without ADHD. There were no differences between adults with and without ADHD with regards to risk-taking behavior. Adults with ADHD did not differ much in impulsivity or risk-taking when taking their stimulant medication versus when they did not take it. The findings suggest that, in general, individuals with ADHD may be more impulsive, yet not necessarily more inclined to engage in risk-taking behavior, than their peers. Stimulant medication is possibly beneficial in decreasing impulsivity in adults with ADHD; however, it does not seem to impact risk-taking behavior.

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