The Relationship Between Community Violence Exposure and Executive Functioning In Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnosed Youth

This study works to examine the impact of Community Violence Exposure on the executive functioning of youth previously diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Utilizing medical chart data from the University of Chicago (UChicago) Medicine's Pediatric Neuropsychology program, this study includes 68 ADHD diagnosed participants aged 5 to 16 primarily from neighborhoods located in the south side of Chicago. As the measurement of executive functioning, both the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) first and second edition assessments were used both separately and combined. Results showed slight incompatibilities between the BRIEF-1 and BRIEF-2 GEC scores that were found to influence findings.Initial correlational analyses found a slight positive correlation between CVE and the BRIEF-1 GEC, and no significance for the BRIEF-2 GEC and BRIEF GEC combined profiles. Regression analyses conducted indicated a significant impact on executive functioning solely with the BRIEF-1 as the dependent variable. Findings indicate further need to study interactions between CVE and externalizing disorders to better inform treatment and diagnosis.