Effects of Methylphenidate on Attention Skills in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Genevieve Lajoie ◽  
Vicki Anderson ◽  
Peter Anderson ◽  
Alan R. Tucker ◽  
Ian H. Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Divided Attention ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Speed Accuracy ◽  
Completion Times

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of methylphenidate on children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study employed a conceptual framework of attention, consistent with contemporary theory, and including the following components: sustained attention, selective attention, divided attention, shifting attention, and speed of information processing. Fifteen children (12 boys and 3 girls) of normal intelligence, with a diagnosis of ADHD according to the DSM-IV criteria, and ranging in age from 8 to 11 years participated in the study. Children's attentional abilities were evaluated using the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch: Manly, Roberston, Anderson, & Nimmo-Smith, 1999). A double-blind counterbalanced repeated-measures design approach was employed to tap on–off medication effects, and deviations from normal. Results showed that comparisons between on–off medication conditions generally detected few differences with respect to sustained and selective attention measures and simple processing speed. In contrast, for higher-level attention domains, including shifting and divided attention, children on medication demonstrated a speed–accuracy trade-off, exhibiting greater accuracy, but slower completion times. When data from the ADHD group were compared to controls a consistent pattern emerged, with children with ADHD in the medication condition being more accurate across all attention domains on all measures. While these children also tended to record slower completion times, group differences and effect sizes were of smaller magnitude. The findings of this study suggest a possible speed–accuracy trade-off effect for children with ADHD on medication.

scholarly journals Writing kinematics and graphic rules in children with ADHD

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 462-468
Author(s):  
Nikola Ivancevic ◽  
Vera Miler-Jerkovic ◽  
Dejan Stevanovic ◽  
Jasna Jancic ◽  
Mirjana Popovic
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Kinematic Parameter ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Task Repetition ◽  
Movement Velocity ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Writing Task

Introduction/Objective. The aim of this study was to coIntroduction/Objective. The aim of this study was to compare kinematic features and graphic rules of writing between children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (with and without medical treatment) and typically developed children (TDC). Methods. In total, 55 children (26 with ADHD/ten subjects were on methylphenidate treatment and 29 TDC) completed a writing task on a digitizing board (in three repetitions; using non-inking stylus) which included a semicircle tracing, triangle, and letter copying. Kinematic features of movements in all tasks and graphic rules during a semicircle tracing were analyzed. Graphic rules were observed as expected movements (selecting the starting point and direction of tracing). Results. The values of kinematic parameter jerk were significantly larger in TDC group compared to all ADHD subjects (regardless of treatment) and increased constantly with semicircle task progression and repetition in both groups. Children with ADHD without methylphenidate treatment used overall slower movements compared to TDC. The tracing of children with ADHD taking methylphenidate was more automated (with less change in movement velocity and acceleration) compared to TDC. In ADHD group only, those with treatment traced faster and more automated compared to those without treatment. The majority of subjects used expected movements in semicircle tracing and this percentage increased with the task repetition (without difference between ADHD and TDC). Conclusion. Both children with ADHD and TDC used similar approach in the tracing task and were compliant with graphic rules. Methylphenidate treatment may positively influence writing kinematics in children with ADHD. Task repetition also influences writing.

scholarly journals Serum Levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin D and Their Association With Symptoms in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Hua Li ◽  
Xiao-Jing Yue ◽  
Cheng-Xin Wang ◽  
Jun-Yan Feng ◽  
Bing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: To measure levels of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin D (VD) and the symptomatic association of their co-deficiencies on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Chinese children (6–9 years).Methods: Eighty-two children (69 boys and 13 girls; mean age = 7.1 ± 0.9 years at the time of the diagnosis) with ADHD were recruited as ADHD group. A total of 106 healthy children were recruited as the healthy control (HC) group. Serum levels of retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of all children were evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) was employed to assess the clinical symptoms of ADHD.Results: Children suffering from ADHD had significantly reduced serum levels of retinol and 25(OH)D compared with those of HCs, and the prevalence of VA deficiency and VD deficiency were higher in children suffering from ADHD. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and retinol were linked closely with the presence or absence of ADHD after adjustment for age, body mass index, season of blood sampling, and sun exposure. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D and retinol showed a negative correlation with the total scores of SNAP-IV. Children with ADHD as well as VA and VD co-deficiency had increased SNAP-IV total scores and ADHD inattention subscale scores.Conclusion: VA deficiency and VD deficiency in children with ADHD were increased in comparison with that in HCs. VA and VD co-deficiency associated with ADHD symptom severity. Attention should be paid to regular testing of VA levels and VD levels. However, the mechanism of VA and VD in ADHD needs to be further studied. Interventional studies on VA and VD supplementation are recommended to further verify the relationship between VA and VD co-deficiency and ADHD.

scholarly journals A Study on the Efficiency in the Children Suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Mehri Farokhzadeh ◽  
Masoumeh Mohammadi Khashouei ◽  
Shaghayegh Jaberzadeh Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Continuous Function ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Divided Attention ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Function Test

<p>The present study aims at investigating the efficiency of the children suffering from hyperactivity disorder in the continuous function test of auditory and visual stimuli (IVA) in order to improve and promote the mental health of these kinds of people. This is of descriptive-comparative type of study. The 30 participants of the present study are the students of Tehran schools which have been chosen through cluster sampling among two groups of hyperactive and normal boys and girls who aged from 12 to 18. The Connors questionnaires and IVA+AE test were used to achieve the goal. The data were analyzed using SPSS-20 and multivariable statistical analyses method. The findings showed that there is a significant correlation among the focused attention, attention distraction, divided attention and selective attention of auditory aspect of normal and hyperactive students and the scores of the focused attention, attention distraction, divided attention and selective attention of the auditory aspect of normal students are higher than the hyperactive students (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, the same correlation exists in the visual aspect of the normal and hyperactive students and the scores of the focused attention, attention distraction, divided attention and selective attention of the visual aspect of normal students are higher than the hyperactive students (P&lt;0.05).</p>

scholarly journals Computerized Stroop Test to Assess Selective Attention in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Carolina dos Santos Assef ◽  
Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra Capovilla ◽  
Fernando Cesar Capovilla
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Target Stimulus ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Stroop Test ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Dsm Iv

Research shows abnormal function of the pre-frontal cortex in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This cortex is involved in the control of executive functions related to planning and execution of goal-oriented strategies, working memory, inhibitions, cognitive flexibility, and selective attention. Selective attention involves focus on the target stimulus, ignoring competing distractions. The Stroop Test (Stroop, 1935) is usually used to evaluate selective attention. This study investigated whether children with ADHD could exhibit modified performance in the Stroop Test. Using a computerized version of this test (Capovilla, Montiel, Macedo, & Charin, 2005), the study compared the reaction times (RTs) of 62 Brazilian children, between 8 and 12 years of age, 31 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD and sent to psychiatric clinics, and 31 without ADHD studying in regular schools. All children with ADHD satisfied the criteria of the DSM-IV-TR and were evaluated with the Conners Abbreviated Questionnaire (Goyette, Conners, & Ulrich, 1978), completed by parents and teachers. The results revealed that children with ADHD exhibit greater interference in RT than children without ADHD. This corroborated the hypothesis that children with ADHD exhibit a deficit in selective attention, consisting in augmented RTs, as measured by the Computerized Stroop Test.

Covert visual attention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Evidence for developmental immaturity?

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah A. Pearson ◽  
Laura S. Yaffee ◽  
Katherine A. Loveland ◽  
Amy M. Norton
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Visual Attention ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Covert Attention ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Skills ◽  
Covert Visual Attention

AbstractShifts in covert visual attention were compared in children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to determine if children with ADHD have developmental immaturities in covert attention, relative to their non-ADHD peers. Children were told to orient attention to a central fixation point and were then cued, by both central and peripheral cues, to direct their attention to either the left or right peripheral fields. Following variable time intervals, the target appeared and reaction times and errors were recorded. Although performance of all subjects showed faciliation when attention was directed by valid cues and inhibition when attention was directed by invalid cues, the performance of children with ADHD was far more disrupted when their attention was misled by invalid cues, especially at longer intervals. This inconsistency was reflected in significantly higher error rates in the ADHD group. They also showed a pattern of attentional “waxing and waning” in performance over longer time intervals that has been previously found in auditory attention switching over time within trials in children with ADHD. Overall, results are inconsistent with developmentally immature covert attention skills in ADHD. Findings are discussed in terms of the concept of global “developmental immaturity” in the attention skills of children with ADHD.

scholarly journals Advances in Understanding the Relationship between Sleep and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Scarpelli ◽  
Maurizio Gorgoni ◽  
Aurora D’Atri ◽  
Flaminia Reda ◽  
Luigi De Gennaro
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Rem Sleep ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Sleep Microstructure ◽  
Meta Analyses

Starting from the consolidated relationship between sleep and cognition, we reviewed the available literature on the association between Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sleep. This review analyzes the macrostructural and microstructural sleep features, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria (PRISMA). We included the polysomnographic studies published in the last 15 years. The results of macrostructural parameters are mixed. Almost half of the 18 selected investigations did not find differences between sleep architecture of children with ADHD and controls. Five studies observed that children with ADHD show a longer Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep duration than controls. Eight studies included microstructural measures. Remarkable alterations in sleep microstructure of ADHD are related to slow wave activity (SWA) and theta oscillations, respectively, during Non-REM (NREM) and REM sleep. Specifically, some studies found higher SWA in the ADHD group than controls. Similarly, higher theta activity appears to be detrimental for memory performance and inhibitory control in ADHD. These patterns could be interpreted as a maturational delay in ADHD. Also, the increased amount of these activities would be consistent with the hypothesis that the poor sleep could imply a chronic sleep deprivation in children with ADHD, which in turn could affect their cognitive functioning.

scholarly journals Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-261
Author(s):  
Ümit Is¸ ık ◽  
Faruk Kılıç ◽  
Arif Demirdas¸ ◽  
Evrim Aktepe ◽  
Pınar Aydog˘ an Avs¸ ar
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Oppositional Defiant ◽  
Galectin 3

Objective Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with underlying pathogenesis and etiological factors not fully understood. We assumed that galectin-3, which is also linked with inflammatory responses, may play an important role in the ethiopathogenesis of ADHD. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether serum galectin-3 levels are related to ADHD in childhood.Methods The current study consisted of 35 treatment-naive children with ADHD and 35 control subjects. The severities of ADHD and conduct disorder symptoms were assessed via parent- and teacher-rated questionnaires. The severity of anxiety and depression symptoms of the children were determined by the self-report scale. Venous blood samples were collected and serum galectin-3 levels were measured.Results The ADHD group had significantly higher serum Galectin-3 levels than the control group. To control confounding factors, including age, sex, and BMI percentile, one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test was also performed. Analyses revealed a significantly higher serum log- Galectin-3 levels in children with ADHD compared to controls. No association was found between the mean serum galectin-3 levels and sociodemographic characteristics and clinical test scores, except the oppositional defiant behavior scores.Conclusion Our research supports the hypothesis that serum levels of galectin-3 might be related to ADHD.

scholarly journals The Deficit of Early Selective Attention in Adults With Sluggish Cognitive Tempo: In Comparison With Those With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yelin Park ◽  
Jang-Han Lee
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Selective Attention ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
High Load ◽  
Distractor Condition ◽  
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Lower Efficiency ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is a cluster of attentional symptoms characterized by slow information processing and behavior, distractibility, mental confusion, absent-mindedness, and hypoactivity. The present study aimed to compare early and late selective attention in the information processing speed of adults with SCT to those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and adults without any attentional problems. The participants were screened using Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale-IV and divided into the following groups: SCT (N = 24), ADHD (N = 24), and controls (N = 25). All participants completed the irrelevant distractor task measuring early and late selective attention under load condition (low vs. high) and distractor condition (no-distractor vs. distractor). The inefficiency index was calculated by subtracting the reaction time of no-distractor condition of correct trials from the reaction time of distractor condition to control the impact of accuracy. Upon analysis, the SCT group showed a lower efficiency compared to the ADHD group under high load, while the ADHD group showed lower efficiency under low load than high load. This meant that the ADHD group had increased efficiency of selective attention with higher load, while the SCT group had low efficiency of selective attention even under high loads. These results suggest that the symptoms of “slow” or “distracted” in SCT could be attributed to the reduced speed and efficiency of selective attention in early information processing and the problem can be pronounced in situations with distractors. The results of the study imply that the attention-deficit-like symptoms shown in those with SCT and ADHD can be distinguished in specific stage of information processing.

Parental and Family Factors for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwanese Children

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 688-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Shur-Fen Gau
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Adjustment ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Behavioural Problems ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
And Gender ◽  
At Home

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the association between attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and maternal psychological distress, parenting style and perceived family support, and the child's interaction with parents and behavioural problems at home in Taiwan. Methods: The sample included 375 medicated pediatric patients with DSM-IV ADHD, and 750 school controls selected based on the age and gender structures of the ADHD group. Mothers reported on the Chinese Health Questionnaire, the Chinese versions of the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve, and the Home Behaviours of the Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents. Results: Mothers of children with ADHD reported greater psychological distress and perceived less support from their families than did mothers of controls. Moreover, mothers of children with ADHD were less affectionate and more overprotective and controlling toward their children than were mothers of controls. This difference was more apparent in boys than in girls. Children with ADHD were less likely to interact with their parents, yet demonstrated more severe behavioural problems at home. Conclusions: Although the Taiwanese children with ADHD were under treatment with methylphenidate, they and their families still encountered a variety of difficulties in interaction, support, and communication with each other. Therefore, the parental approach should be integrated into the medication treatment for ADHD in Taiwan.

Psychopathology and Symptom Remission at Adolescence Among Children with Attention-Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder

2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Shur-Fen Gau ◽  
Yu-Ju Lin ◽  
Andrew Tai-Ann Cheng ◽  
Yen-Nan Chiu ◽  
Wen-Che Tsai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Oppositional Defiant ◽  
Core Symptoms

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine changes of attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities at adolescence, and mother-child agreement on reports of ADHD symptoms among children with ADHD as compared to unaffected controls. Methods: The participants included 93 patients (male, 82.8%) aged 11–16, who were clinically diagnosed with ADHD at the mean age of 7.3 ± 2.8 years, and 93 age-, sex-, and parental education-matched school controls. The participants and their mothers were frist interviewed separately for baseline psychopathology at childhood, followed by current psychopathology using the Chinese Kiddie Epidemiologic version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia. Results: At adolescence, 46 patients (49.5%) met full DSM-IV ADHD criteria, 31 (33.3%) had subthreshold ADHD, and 16 (17.2%) had recovered from ADHD. We found a significant progressive decline in the three ADHD core symptoms for the ADHD group: hyperactivity had the greatest effect size, followed by inattention, and then impulsivity. Children with ADHD tended to report less severe ADHD symptoms at childhood and adolescence than their mothers. They were more likely than the controls to have oppositional defiant disorder (odds ratio (OR)=18.0; 95% confidence interval (CI)=8.3–38.9), conduct disorder (OR=23.1, 95%CI =5.3–100.2), mood disorders (OR=3.8, 95%CI = 1.5–9.4), bipolar disorders (Fisher's exact p < 0.001), and sleep disorders (OR=3.1, 95%CI = 1.6–6.0) at adolescence. Conclusions: The present findings are similar to those of Western studies, regarding the patterns of comorbidity, stability of core symptoms, and mother–child differences on symptom reports.

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