College students who believe they have ADHD report more neuropsychological deficits than non-ADHD peers

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in college students has been associated with poor academic outcomes and greater neuropsychological and emotional difficulties. The present study sought to determine whether college students who believe they have ADHD report more neuropsychological deficits than non-ADHD peers. Method: College students (N = 1,520) completed a confidential online survey designed to explore ADHD beliefs and subjective neuropsychological impairment. MANOVA was used to examine the association between ADHD beliefs and neuropsychological symptoms. LSD post hoc analysis was used to examine pairwise comparisons across groups. Results: College students who believe they have ADHD reported more neuropsychological deficits than those without ADHD and similar levels of neuropsychological impairment as peers with a self-reported diagnosis of ADHD. Conclusion: Results show a statistically and clinically significant relationship between ADHD belief and neuropsychological impairment among college students. These findings highlight the need for qualified ADHD assessment in college students who believe they have ADHD.