Related Experiment Videos
Do neurocognitive measures differentiate Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with and without hyperactivity?
Summary
This study investigated subtypes of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Findings suggest neurocognitive differences, possibly right-hemispheric, may better distinguish subtypes than behavioral factors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Behavioral and neuropharmacological evidence suggests distinct subtypes of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) with hyperactivity (ADD/H) and without hyperactivity (ADD/WO).
- Attention-regulatory mechanisms, potentially involving anterior-posterior brain processes, may be independently implicated in these subtypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that behavioral and neurocognitive variables can differentiate between ADD/H, ADD/WO, and a clinic-control group.
- To explore alternative conceptualizations for distinguishing neurocognitive deficits in ADD subtypes.
Main Methods:
- 100 clinic-referred children were diagnosed: ADD/H (n=48), ADD/WO (n=26), and clinic-control (CC) (n=26).
- Analysis of covariance was performed using Full-Scale IQ, chronological age, and conduct disorder symptoms.
- Selected WISC-R, Luria-Nebraska-Children's Revision, and reaction-time variables were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The study found little support for a behavioral distinction between ADD subtypes using the selected neurocognitive and behavioral variables.
- Analysis did not effectively differentiate between ADD/H and ADD/WO based on the tested measures.
Conclusions:
- Current behavioral and neurocognitive measures may not adequately distinguish between ADD subtypes.
- Future research should explore alternative models, such as deficient right-hemispheric processes, to better understand neurocognitive deficits in ADD/H.