A Psychometric Evaluation of Internal Restlessness and Hyperactivity Measures Among College Students

Abstract

This thesis aims to assess our current understanding of internal restlessness in adults with ADHD and how it is assessed. Currently, there is very little research on methods to objectively assess internal restlessness, with most methods relying on subjective techniques. But, based on prior research into other related conditions involving internal restlessness including Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome, akathisia, and hyperactivity in ADHD, a pattern of dopamine dysregulation and frontal lobe dysfunctions begins to emerge. By comparing different subjective and objective assessments including the Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), Internal Restlessness Scale (IRS), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), Grip Strength (GS), and Actigraphy (ACT), a positive correlation between the subjective assessments and the nondominant hand on the finger tapping test was seen. Additionally, there was also a correlation between actigraphy and grip strength. This new evidence may point to a major difference in subjective assessments of internal restlessness and hyperactivity being related to fine motor movement and control seen in the finger tapping test compared to the gross motor movements of the grip strength and actigraphy.