Submission Date

5-4-2026

Document Type

Paper

Department

Health & Exercise Physiology

Adviser

Nicole Ivaska

Committee Member

Nathan Vogler

Committee Member

Kyle Beyer

Department Chair

Stephen C. Kolwicz Jr.

Project Description

Recent research has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manifests physiologically in young adults, beyond traditional behavioral observations. While frequently diagnosed in childhood, the physiological and neurological manifestations of ADHD in young adults remain under researched. Understanding these biological markers is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies in collegiate populations. This study investigates the multidimensional associations between symptoms often experienced in those with ADHD, executive function, and the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). Participants were evaluated using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1), the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.), and visuomotor reaction time tasks using BlazePods. Physiological stress profiles were assessed by measuring salivary cortisol at 0, 30, and 60 minutes post-awakening to map the CAR. We hypothesized that individuals meeting clinical criteria for ADHD would exhibit significant dysregulation in diurnal cortisol patterns and increased response time variability compared to neurotypical controls. The results indicated a significant relationship between elevated ADHD symptom scores and altered cortisol dynamics. Specifically, participants who demonstrated higher levels of inattention on the T.O.V.A. and ASRS displayed a blunted cortisol awakening response compared to their peers. Furthermore, increased response time variability during the BlazePod tasks was positively correlated with these dysregulated physiological markers, suggesting that the cognitive "drift" often associated with ADHD is mirrored by a blunted endocrine stress response. By integrating objective neuropsychological performance with endocrine biomarkers, this research clarifies the biological underpinnings of ADHD in young adults. The findings highlight the importance of considering physiological stress signatures, such as the CAR, as a measurable marker of the internal state and executive challenges faced by adult patients.

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Available for download on Tuesday, June 01, 2027

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