Impaired Temporal Resolution of Visual Attention and Dopamine Beta Hydroxylase Genotype in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

AbstractBackgroundAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which frequently persists into adulthood. The primary goal of the current study was to (a) investigate attentional functions of stimulant medication-naïve adults with ADHD, and (b) investigate the effects of 6 weeks of methylphenidate treatment on these functions.MethodsThe study was a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded, 6-week follow-up design with 42 stimulant medication-naïve adult patients with ADHD, and 42 age and parental education-matched healthy controls. Assessments included measures of visual attention, based on Bundesen's Theory of Visual Attention (TVA), which yields five precise measures of aspects of visual attention; general psychopathology; ADHD symptoms; dyslexia screening; and estimates of IQ.ResultsAt baseline, significant differences were found between patients and controls on three attentional parameters: visual short-term memory capacity, threshold of conscious perception, and to a lesser extent visual processing speed. Secondary analyses revealed no significant correlations between TVA parameter estimates and severity of ADHD symptomatology. At follow-up, significant improvements were found specifically for visual processing speed; this improvement had a large effect size, and remained when controlling for re-test effects, IQ, and dyslexia screen performance. There were no significant correlations between changes in visual processing speed and changes in ADHD symptomatology.ConclusionsADHD in adults may be associated with deficits in three distinct aspects of visual attention. Improvements after 6 weeks of medication are seen specifically in visual processing speed, which could represent an improvement in alertness. Clinical symptoms and visual attentional deficits may represent separate aspects of ADHD in adults.

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Neurofeedback Training Versus Perceptual-Motor Exercises Interventions in Visual Attention for Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Journal ◽

10.32598/bcn.2021.563.2 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Neda Ghadamgahi Sani ◽

◽

Malahat Akbarfahimi ◽

Shadi Akbari ◽

Mehdi Alizadeh Zarei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Visual Attention ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Performance Test ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Neurofeedback Training ◽

Normal Children ◽

Motor Proficiency ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders which is characterized by poor attention and subsequently lower learning capacities comparing with normal children. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback and perceptual-motor exercises as two common non-pharmacological treatments on visual attention. Method: 40 combined medicated ADHD children (aged 5-12 years) were allocated randomly in two groups: neurofeedback training and perceptual-motor exercises. Visual attention and motor proficiency were assessed before and after the treatment by Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT), respectively. Results: according to repeated measures ANOVA, both groups showed significant improvement in three attention-related areas of CPT including reaction time, omission and commission errors (p<0.001), while the difference between two groups was not significant (p>0.05). However, in perceptual-motor exercises group, motor proficiency improved significantly (p<0.01). Conclusion: neurofeedback training intervention, as well as perceptual-motor exercises, are effective in improving ADHD symptoms and given the similar effect of both interventions and their lack of side-effects, perceptual-motor exercises appear to be the more appropriate option for reducing symptoms of ADHD, due to its additional effect on motor proficiency, rich content of purposeful activities and social interactions.

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