Date

6-19-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Danisha Keating

Keywords

Adolescents, working memory, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, GAD, neurodevelopmental disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Literature supports a reliable link between lower working memory (WM) performance and higher anxiety, and both anxiety and WM are reported as comorbid with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). This study sought to understand to what extent WM deficits and anxiety exists in adolescent NDD and non-NDD groups. Participants (N = 11,400; ages 9-10) were obtained from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study archived dataset, with the approval of the NIMH approval. Participants in the dataset were recruited from 21 sites across the U.S. A Mann-Whitney U test, comparing the NDD (N=2756) and non-NDD (N=8644) groups was statistically significant, noting a more pronounced of WM deficits in the NDD group. A Chi-Square test of independence comparing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and NDDs was statistically significant, indicating higher incidence of a GAD diagnosis in the NDD group. Kendall’s Tau-b correlation test of GAD and NDDs was statistically significant, indicating a GAD diagnosis is likely to coincide an NDD diagnosis. Kendall’s Tau-b correlation test of WM and GAD was statistically significant, revealing lower WM scores coincided with an increased GAD diagnosis and vice versa (monotonic relationship). The study results are relevant to mental health professionals as a recommendation for comprehensive assessment when evaluating and treating adolescents. Church, community organizations and employers may also utilize study findings to create awareness and a culture of inclusion and support.

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