Self-Perception and Perception of Executive Function Impairments in Adults with ADHD

Abstract

In the present study we examine whether adults with ADHD make accurate self-judgments of executive function deficits, compared to significant others ratings and to objective test performance. Adults with ADHD and controls completed the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) as well as a standardized self-rating instrument on self-concept (Frankfurt Self-Concept Scales, FSKN) and performed executive tests. Adults with ADHD were more impaired than controls according to both self- and informant ratings. The agreement between self- and informant ratings was equally good in both groups. For both groups, self-ratings revealed higher impairment scores than ratings by significant others. The correlations between test performances and DEX-ratings were low to moderate. These results indicate that self-ratings of adults with ADHD regarding executive deficits may be considered as predominantly reliable.