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Processing speed in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type
M D Weiler1, J H Bernstein, D C Bellinger
1Children's Hospital, Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Weiler_m@A1.tch.harvard.edu
Summary
Children with primarily inattentive Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) show deficits in information processing speed. This vulnerability may underlie many of their behavioral issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurobehavioral Disorders
- Childhood Psychology
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder in children.
- The DSM-IV identified a primarily inattentive subtype (AD).
- Understanding the neuropsychological profile of AD is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the neuropsychological profile of children with the primarily inattentive subtype of ADHD.
- To compare the cognitive performance of AD children with those with reading disability (RD) and comorbid AD/RD.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two children referred for school problems were assessed.
- Participants were categorized into AD, RD, and comorbid AD/RD groups.
- Neuropsychological tests focused on information processing speed were administered.
Main Results:
- Children with AD performed significantly poorer on measures of information processing speed.
- Children with comorbid AD/RD were distinguished from RD-only children by processing speed deficits.
- Processing speed deficits appear to be a key characteristic of the AD subtype.
Conclusions:
- Information processing speed vulnerability is a core feature of the inattentive ADHD subtype.
- This processing speed deficit may explain many behavioral manifestations observed in AD.
- Targeting processing speed could be a beneficial therapeutic approach for children with AD.