scholarly journals Williams syndrome: on the role of intellectual abilities in anxiety

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Willfors ◽  
Deborah M. Riby ◽  
Marcus van der Poll ◽  
Katja Ekholm ◽  
Hanna Avdic Björlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Williams Syndrome ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Expert Rating ◽  
Intellectual Abilities ◽  
Direct Measures

Abstract Background Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) have an elevated risk for anxiety disorders throughout the life span, making it a research priority to identify the individual factors associated with anxiety. Most of the existing literature is based on questionnaire data and suggests that impaired executive functions (EF) increase the risk for anxiety in WS. The aim of this study was to use direct measures by trained clinicians to investigate the effects of general intelligence, inhibition, sustained attention, and working memory on anxiety in WS, to further elucidate potential underlying mechanisms. Method Twenty-four individuals with WS participated in the study (mean age: 29 years, range: 9–53 years), together with at least one of their parents. The MINI international neuropsychiatric interview for DSM-5 was completed to establish clinical diagnosis of anxiety, and the Clinical Global Impression Scale – Severity was used for an expert rating of symptom severity. Intellectual abilities were measured using the Wechsler scales, and attention and inhibition using the Conner’s Continuous Performance Test. In addition, a parent-report questionnaire measuring EF, learning and memory was collected. Results In contrast to the apriori hypothesis, there was no significant association between anxiety and core elements of EF such as working memory, sustained attention, and inhibition (i.e. the process of restraining one’s impulses or behaviour). Using ordinal logistic regression analyses, we showed that decreasing intelligence quotient (IQ) and age are associated with elevated anxiety. We confirmed these results in between-groups analyses (anxiety disorder vs no current anxiety disorder), and low IQ was associated with higher risk of having an anxiety diagnosis. In addition, Bayesian statistics gave substantial evidence for no significant association between anxiety and inhibition. Conclusion By using direct measures of psychological pathology and functioning, the current results provide a deeper characterisation of the WS phenotype and provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms underpinning anxiety.

Impaired working memory and normal sustained attention in borderline personality disorder

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 349-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Lazzaretti ◽  
Niccolò Morandotti ◽  
Michela Sala ◽  
Miriam Isola ◽  
Sophia Frangou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Borderline Personality Disorder ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Borderline Personality ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal

Lazzaretti M, Morandotti N, Sala M, Isola M, Frangou S, De Vidovich G, Marraffini E, Gambini F, Barale F, Zappoli F, Caverzasi E, Brambilla P. Impaired working memory and normal sustained attention in borderline personality disorder.Objective: Although reports in the literature describe deficits in working memory in borderline personality disorder (BPD), the evidence is limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate further this cognitive dimension and its clinical correlates in BPD.Method: We compared the performance of 15 BPD patients to 1:1 matched healthy controls on verbal working memory as determined by the sequential letter N-back test and sustained attention as measured using the continuous performance test (CPT).Results: BPD patients performed significantly worse on the N-back test compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05), but not on the CPT. The N-back deficit was more pronounced and significant in the 3-back condition and inversely correlated with impulsivity.Conclusions: These results suggest the presence of working memory deficits in BPD that may be linked to greater impulsivity and sustained by impairment in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

scholarly journals Higher dietary diversity is related to better visual and auditory sustained attention

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (8) ◽  
pp. 1470-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farideh Shiraseb ◽  
Fereydoun Siassi ◽  
Mostafa Qorbani ◽  
Gity Sotoudeh ◽  
Reza Rostami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sports Clubs ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Effective Performance ◽  
The Mean

AbstractAttention is a complex cognitive function that is necessary for learning, for following social norms of behaviour and for effective performance of responsibilities and duties. It is especially important in sensitive occupations requiring sustained attention. Improvement of dietary diversity (DD) is recognised as an important factor in health promotion, but its association with sustained attention is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the association between auditory and visual sustained attention and DD. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 women aged 20–50 years who attended sports clubs at Tehran Municipality. Sustained attention was evaluated on the basis of the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test using Integrated Visual and Auditory software. A single 24-h dietary recall questionnaire was used for DD assessment. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) were determined using the FAO guidelines. The mean visual and auditory sustained attention scores were 40·2 (sd35·2) and 42·5 (sd38), respectively. The mean DDS was 4·7 (sd1·5). After adjusting for age, education years, physical activity, energy intake and BMI, mean visual and auditory sustained attention showed a significant increase as the quartiles of DDS increased (P=0·001). In addition, the mean subscales of attention, including auditory consistency and vigilance, visual persistence, visual and auditory focus, speed, comprehension and full attention, increased significantly with increasing DDS (P<0·05). In conclusion, higher DDS is associated with better visual and auditory sustained attention.

Sustained Attention in Brain Damaged Children

1970 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter A. Campanelli
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Specific Site ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Convulsive Disorders

This study explored sustained attention in children with convulsive disorders diagnosed as having cortical and subcortical lesions by means of the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Significant differences were found between and within these 2 groups and a control group. Results support other findings concerning specific site of lesion on sustained attention in brain damaged children when measured by the CPT. Implications for learning are discussed.

scholarly journals Sustained Attention in Intellectually Gifted Children Assessed Using a Continuous Performance Test

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e57417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiannong Shi ◽  
Ting Tao ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Li Cheng ◽  
Long Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Gifted Children ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Intellectually Gifted

scholarly journals Association Between Cognitive Function and Mechanical Pattern of Landing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafiseh Mohammadkhani ◽  
Ramin Balouchy ◽  
Mohammadreza Ghasemian
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Lower Limb Injuries ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Limb Injuries

Introduction: In examining the factors affecting sports injuries, the emphasis is always on physical variables, while cognitive and psychological characteristics can also be effective. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between sustained attention as  a neurocognitive function and landing error as a mechanical factor associated with lower limb injuries. Materials and Methods: 44 female basketball players aged 18-25 years at the national league level participated in this study. The participants were assessed using the continuous performance test, and their landing-jumping was evaluated by the landing error scoring system in two conditions of high and low cognitive load. Results:  The results showed that people’s  landing errors increased significantly as a result  of increased cognitive needs (P=0.0001). Also, the findings revealed a positive correlation between omission and commission errors with landing error scores in both low and high cognitive load conditions (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sustained attention could predict the landing error score that is considered a  key risk factor of lower limb injuries. It is recommended that multiple cognitive and physical assessments be used to identify athletes at risk of injury. Hence, cognitive enhancement protocols may be effective along with physical preparation programs.

Cognitive Correlates of Math Performance in School-Aged Children with Sickle Cell Disease and Silent Cerebral Infarcts

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel K Peterson ◽  
Suzan Williams ◽  
Laura Janzen
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Parent Ratings ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Math Fluency ◽  
Math Difficulties

Abstract Objective Attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and math difficulties are common in youth with sickle cell disease (SCD) with silent cerebral infarcts (SCI). This study investigated the cognitive underpinnings of math difficulties in children with SCD and SCI. Method Youth (n = 68) with SCD and SCI completed measures of attention [Digit Span forward (DSF); Conners Continuous Performance Test-Third Edition/Kiddie Conners Continuous Performance Test-Second Edition (CPT-3/KCPT-2)]; working memory [Wechsler Intelligence Scales (WPPSI-IV, WISC-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV), Working Memory Index (WMI), Digit Span backwards (DSB)]; processing speed [WPPSI-IV, WISC-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-IV Processing Speed Index (PSI)]; math reasoning [Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Third Edition (WIAT-III) Mathematics composite (MC)]; and math fluency [WIAT-III Math Fluency composite (MF)] as part of a clinical neuropsychological evaluation. Parent ratings of attention and executive functioning were obtained [Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition (BASC-3), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)]. Results MC was positively correlated with WMI (r = 0.59, p = 0.00), PSI (r = 0.40, p &lt; 0.001), DSF (r = 0.29, p = 0.03), DSB (r = 0.47, p &lt; 0.001), and MF (r = 0.71, p &lt; 0.001). Correlations between MC, sustained attention, and parent ratings were nonsignificant. The linear regression model using correlated variables was significant [F(4,51) = 8.29, R2 = 0.39, p &lt; 0.001]. WMI was the only significant variable within the model (p = 0.02). Conclusions Working memory deficits account for significant variance in untimed mathematical performance in this population—consistent with other populations with white matter dysfunction. Interventions targeting both mathematics and working memory may be beneficial.

Decrements in Sustained Attention Across Trials in a Continuous Performance Test

2010 ◽  
Vol 198 (2) ◽  
pp. 154-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul H. Lysaker ◽  
Jack Tsai ◽  
Lindsey L. Henninger ◽  
Jenifer L. Vohs ◽  
Kristen Viverito
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance

scholarly journals A-13 Sustained Attention, Impulsivity, and Tangentiality of Speech Among Young Adults and Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 872-872
Author(s):  
J Helphrey ◽  
L Smith ◽  
D Rodriguez ◽  
D Rose III ◽  
J Sawyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Procedural Memory ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Commission Errors ◽  
Omission Errors

Abstract Objective Previous research has linked off-topic verbosity (OTV) among older adults with lower performance on neuropsychological tests tapping attention and executive functioning. However, most of this research has utilized relatively brief neurocognitive measures. Continuous performance tests (CPTs) measure sustained attention and impulsivity. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between sustained attention, impulsivity, and tangentiality of speech among young adults and older adults. Method Young adult college students (age 18-29; n= 61) and healthy, community-dwelling older adults (age 60-99; n = 81) were administered the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test – 3 and provided a sample of speech (one episodic memory and one procedural memory). These speech samples were transcribed and rated for tangentiality by three independent reviewers. Results Among all participants, greater tangentiality of speech was associated with omission errors (r = .22, p = .01) but not with commission errors. This same pattern was found among older adults: omission errors (r = .23, p = .04) were associated with greater tangentiality but commission errors were not. Among young adults, these relationships were not statistically significant. Conclusions Results suggest that tangentiality of speech is associated with inattentiveness but not impulsivity, and this relationship may be more marked among older adults than young adults. OTV among older adults may stem from difficulty sustaining attention over time rather than diminished capacity for inhibiting impulses.

Age-Related Changes in Distractibility: Developmental Trajectory of Sustained Attention in ADHD

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 1333-1343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ortal Slobodin ◽  
Hanoch Cassuto ◽  
Itai Berger
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Developmental Trajectory ◽  
Continuous Performance ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
The Core ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Omission Errors ◽  
Age Related Changes

Objective: This study investigated age-related changes in sustained attention in children with ADHD and in their typically developed peers. Method: The study used a Continuous Performance Test (CPT) that includes visual and auditory stimuli serving as distractors. The rate of omission errors was used as a measurement of difficulty in sustained attention. Participants were children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years (478 with ADHD and 361 without ADHD). Results: Both groups of adolescents (with and without ADHD) showed reduced distractibility than younger children from the same group. However, distractibility tended to diminish in non-ADHD adolescents, but not in adolescents with ADHD. Conclusion: Although part of the difficulties in ADHD could be explained by developmental delay that improves with time, other deficits, such as increased distractibility causing more omission errors, do not show a clear developmental trajectory. The results suggest that deficits in inhibitory control might be the core of ADHD.

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