Differential effects of methylphenidate on problem solving in adults with ADHD.

OBJECTIVE Two studies were performed to assess both divergent and convergent thinking in adults with ADHD. METHOD The first study compared the problem-solving abilities of healthy participants (N = 144) and unmedicated adults with ADHD (N = 144). In the second study, problem-solving abilities of adults with diagnosed ADHD (N = 22) were examined twice, that is, on and off methylphenidate (MPH), and compared with the performance of a healthy control group (N = 22). Convergent thinking was measured using a Tower of London task, whereas divergent thinking was assessed using verbal fluency tasks. RESULTS Adults with ADHD off MPH displayed marked deficits of both divergent and convergent thinking. MPH treatment resulted in a marked improvement of convergent thinking, while no effect of medication was found regarding divergent thinking. CONCLUSION Pharmacological treatment of adults with ADHD revealed a differential effect of MPH on problem solving abilities.