Contribution of Rating Scales to the Assessment of Executive Functions

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter K. Isquith ◽  
Robert M. Roth ◽  
Gerard Gioia
2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1869-1878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva M Quinque ◽  
Katrin Arélin ◽  
Juergen Dukart ◽  
Elisabeth Roggenhofer ◽  
Daniel-P Streitbuerger ◽  
...  

Cerebral microangiopathy (CMA) has been associated with executive dysfunction and fronto-parietal neural network disruption. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging allow more detailed analyses of gray (e.g., voxel-based morphometry—VBM) and white matter (e.g., diffusion tensor imaging—DTI) than traditional visual rating scales. The current study investigated patients with early CMA and healthy control subjects with all three approaches. Neuropsychological assessment focused on executive functions, the cognitive domain most discussed in CMA. The DTI and age-related white matter changes rating scales revealed convergent results showing widespread white matter changes in early CMA. Correlations were found in frontal and parietal areas exclusively with speeded, but not with speed-corrected executive measures. The VBM analyses showed reduced gray matter in frontal areas. All three approaches confirmed the hypothesized fronto-parietal network disruption in early CMA. Innovative methods (DTI) converged with results from conventional methods (visual rating) while allowing greater spatial and tissue accuracy. They are thus valid additions to the analysis of neural correlates of cognitive dysfunction. We found a clear distinction between speeded and nonspeeded executive measures in relationship to imaging parameters. Cognitive slowing is related to disease severity in early CMA and therefore important for early diagnostics.


Author(s):  
Carleen Franz ◽  
Lee Ascherman ◽  
Julia Shaftel

This chapter describes the content and procedures of a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation. Components include the referral question, review of records, history, observation, and assessment. Rating scales, standardized tests, and interviews make up the assessment portion of the evaluation process. The entire process must use multiple measures and assess multiple viewpoints and settings. Cognitive, academic, behavioral, social skills, and executive functions may be included in the assessment. A thorough integration of the findings from multiple sources must be accomplished to reach meaningful diagnostic conclusions and determine relevant recommendations. IDEA requirements for school-based evaluation processes are explained and contrasted with independent evaluation methods.


Author(s):  
Michael Maes ◽  
Sunee Sirivichayakul ◽  
Buranee Kanchanatawan ◽  
Andre F. Carvalho

BACKGROUND: Stable-phase schizophrenia may comprise two distinct nosological entities namely Major Neuro-Cognitive Psychosis (MNP, largely overlapping with the deficit syndrome) and simple NP (SNP), which are defined by neuroimmune and neurocognitive abnormalities. Furthermore, cognitive impairments and PHEM (psychotic, hostility, excitation, mannerism) and negative symptoms load on the same dimension.METHODS: The current study aimed to investigate associations of psychomotor retardation (PMR) and clinical as well as biomarker characteristics of schizophrenia. We recruited 40 healthy controls and 79 schizophrenia patients and measured IgA responses to tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs), IgM to malondialdehyde and nitroso (NO)-cysteinyl, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1), soluble interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1RA), IL-10, CCL-11 as well as PMR items of different rating scales and motor screening task (MOT). RESULTS: PMR differentiated schizophrenia from controls and MNP from SNP. In addition, PMR was strongly associated with executive functions, deficits in episodic and semantic memory, PHEM and negative (PHEMN) symptoms. Around 50% of the variance in PMR was predicted by the cumulative effects of immune activation, CCL-11, TRYCATs and NO-Cysteinyl levels, and lowered natural IgM. PRM may be reliably combined with PHEMN symptoms and memory and executive impairments into one latent vector reflecting overall psychopathology.CONCLUSIONS: Current findings indicate that PMR may be a key psychopathological feature of schizophrenia and mainly MNP. In addition, PMR and associated impairments in memory and executive functions, and PHEMN symptoms may be driven by deficits in the compensatory immune regulatory system (natural IgM) combined with increased production of neurotoxic immune products, namely TRYCATs and IgM to NO-cysteinyl, and an endogenous cognition deteriorating chemokine, namely CCL-11.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1514-1525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Gisbert ◽  
Vanesa Richarte ◽  
Montserrat Corrales ◽  
Pol Ibáñez ◽  
Rosa Bosch ◽  
...  

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which neuropsychological performance parameters implicated in ADHD might mediate the relationship between emotional lability (EL) and this disorder. Method: Eight hundred twelve adult patients with ADHD were examined. EL was assessed using the EL subscale of Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS). To assess cognitive and executive functions, a battery of neuropsychological tests was performed in 262 patients with ADHD and high EL symptomatology and 550 patients with ADHD and low EL symptomatology. Results: Several differences between groups were found regarding neuropsychological performance; however, nearly all significant differences disappeared when the effect of gender, inattention, and hyperactive symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities were taken into account. Conclusion: Our results do not support the hypothesis that neuropsychological deficits are associated with EL in adults with ADHD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2S) ◽  
pp. 915-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie A. Spencer ◽  
Mallory Dawson

Purpose This preliminary study examined whether speech profiles exist for adults with hereditary ataxia based on 2 competing frameworks: a pattern of instability/inflexibility or a pattern of differential subsystem involvement. Method Four dysarthria experts rated the speech samples of 8 adults with dysarthria from hereditary ataxia using visual analog scales and presence/severity rating scales of speech characteristics. Speaking tasks included diadochokinetics, sustained phonation, and a monologue. Results Speech profiles aligned with the instability/inflexibility framework, with the pattern of instability being the most common. Speech profiles did not emerge for the majority of speakers using the differential subsystem framework. Conclusions The findings extend previous research on pure ataxic dysarthria and suggest a possible framework for understanding the speech heterogeneity associated with the ataxias. The predominance of the instability profile is consistent with the notion of impaired feedforward control in speakers with cerebellar disruption.


2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-143
Author(s):  
Lynn E. Fox

Abstract The self-anchored rating scale (SARS) is a technique that augments collaboration between Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interventionists, their clients, and their clients' support networks. SARS is a technique used in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, a branch of systemic family counseling. It has been applied to treating speech and language disorders across the life span, and recent case studies show it has promise for promoting adoption and long-term use of high and low tech AAC. I will describe 2 key principles of solution-focused therapy and present 7 steps in the SARS process that illustrate how clinicians can use the SARS to involve a person with aphasia and his or her family in all aspects of the therapeutic process. I will use a case study to illustrate the SARS process and present outcomes for one individual living with aphasia.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 79-90
Author(s):  
Courtney G. Scott ◽  
Trina M. Becker ◽  
Kenneth O. Simpson

The use of computer monitors to provide technology-based written feedback during clinical sessions, referred to as “bug-in-the-eye” (BITi) feedback, recently emerged in the literature with preliminary evidence to support its effectiveness (Carmel, Villatte, Rosenthal, Chalker & Comtois, 2015; Weck et al., 2016). This investigation employed a single-subject, sequential A-B design with two participants to observe the effects of implementing BITi feedback using a smartwatch on the clinical behavior of student clinicians (SCs). Baseline and treatment data on the stimulus-response-consequence (S-R-C) contingency completion rates of SCs were collected using 10 minute segments of recorded therapy sessions. All participants were students enrolled in a clinical practicum experience in a communication disorders and sciences (CDS) program. A celeration line, descriptive statistics, and stability band were used to analyze the data by slope, trend, and variability. Results demonstrated a significant correlative relationship between BITi feedback with a smartwatch and an increase in positive clinical behaviors. Based on qualitative interviews and exit rating scales, SCs reported BITi feedback was noninvasive and minimally distracting. Preliminary evidence suggests BITi feedback with a smartwatch may be an effective tool for providing real-time clinical feedback.


2003 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Marie Angello ◽  
Robert J. Volpe ◽  
James C. DiPerna ◽  
Sammi P. Gureasko-Moore ◽  
David P. Gureasko-Moore ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Manfred Hintermair ◽  
Désirée Korneffel

Fragestellung: Da im Zuge inklusiver Bestrebungen immer mehr hörgeschädigte Kinder eine allgemeine Schule besuchen werden, gilt es, relevante entwicklungspsychologische Voraussetzungen hierfür genauer zu betrachten. In einer Studie wurden deshalb sozial-emotionale Probleme hörgeschädigter Kinder an allgemeinen Schulen im Zusammenhang mit möglichen Problemen in der Entwicklung exekutiver Funktionen und der kommunikativen Kompetenz diskutiert. Methodik: Eine Stichprobe von 69 Schülern wurde mit einer deutschen Version des «Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF)», einer Kurzskala zur Erfassung der kommunikativen Kompetenz sowie dem Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire untersucht. Die Daten wurden mit einer Normierungsstichprobe verglichen, weiter wurden korrelative und regressionsanalytische Zusammenhänge der Variablen berechnet. Ebenso wurden Zusammenhänge der exekutiven Funktionen mit soziodemographischen Variablen analysiert. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass in fast allen Bereichen exekutiver Funktionen die hörgeschädigten Kinder mehr Probleme aufweisen als die Kinder der hörenden Normierungsstichprobe und die Prävalenzrate durchschnittlich ca. dreimal höher ist. Der Index für verhaltensregulierende exekutive Funktionen erweist sich neben dem Geschlecht am besten zur Vorhersage sozial-emotionaler Probleme. Schlussfolgerungen: Für die pädagogische Praxis ergibt sich, dass hörgeschädigte Schüler an allgemeinen Schulen in Bezug auf ihre psychosoziale Entwicklung von einem pädagogischen Konzept profitieren, das neben der Förderung sprachkommunikativer Kompetenzen auch auf die Stärkung von Selbstkontrolle und Selbstwirksamkeit der Kinder fokussiert.


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