BIO

Angelena Novotney is a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biology as well as a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy within the Florida State University College of Arts and Sciences. Her career goals include attending medical school to study Ophthalmology with a retinal specialty and opening her own private practice. She is currently a CCMA at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, an executive board member of the Asian American Student Union, and an active member of her community by volunteering abroad to help provide healthcare to those in need. 

A Meta-Analytic Study of ADHD Symptoms in Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 1:3500 individuals. Prior studies found that children with (versus without) NF1 have higher risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, prior studies showed inconsistent findings on group differences between children with versus without NF1 in the extent of ADHD symptoms. The inconsistencies are likely due to different study and sample characteristics and the heterogeneity of ADHD symptoms in the NF1 population. To evaluate this our lab performed a meta-analysis on current research in this field. Groups of two research assistants coded this information and met once a week to discuss differences found and form a consensus on the information presented. We found Individuals with NF1 had significantly more ADHD symptoms than the control or normative group. Significant between-study heterogeneity in effect sizes was observed. Additionally, a higher percentage of participants with familial NF1 is associated with greater group differences in ADHD total symptoms and attention greater group differences in ADHD total symptoms and attention problems, but not hyperactivity problems. Group differences in attention problems were higher in informant-reported (vs. performance-based) measures. From this, we concluded that children with NF1 have significantly higher levels of ADHD symptoms compared to non-NF1 peers, with medium effect sizes. This in context means that the higher levels of ADHD symptoms indicate the need for more support and interventions for children with NF1 to help improve their behavioral health.

Keywords: NF1 Neurofibromas ADHD attention