Investigating the Mediating Role of Executive Function in the Relationship Between ADHD and DCD Symptoms and Depression in Adults.
Maria C Broletti, Christina Efthymiou, Aja Louise Murray and 2 others
PMID 37966535WHAT IT FOUND
Everyday executive function difficulties fully explained the link between ADHD or DCD symptoms and depression in adults.
Behavioural regulation, emotional control, and planning were key mediators. This suggests targeting these functions may help mental health, but the study cannot prove cause.
Key findings
01Executive function difficulties acted as a full mediator, meaning they explained the association between ADHD or DCD symptoms and depression symptoms.
02Specific areas of executive function, including behavioural regulation, emotional control, metacognition, initiation, and planning, fully mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and depression.
03Overall executive function, metacognition, and planning/organising significantly mediated the relationship between DCD symptoms and depression.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study is cross-sectional, so it cannot prove that executive function difficulties cause depression; they may share a common cause or the relationship could be reversed. Diagnoses were self-reported and not clinically confirmed, and there was no neurotypical comparison group. Executive function was measured by self-report rather than objective testing, which relies on the participant's own perception of their difficulties. The sample was disproportionately female (3:1 ratio) and recruited via social media, which may not represent the wider population. The group with both ADHD and DCD was small (n=23), making findings for this specific subgroup less reliable.
Declared interests
The provided text does not contain a specific conflict of interest or funding declaration section.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these findings as proof that treating executive function difficulties will reduce depression. The study is cross-sectional and shows association, not causation. Additionally, because diagnoses were self-reported and not clinically verified, the groups may not represent the same population as those diagnosed in a clinic.