Computerized stroop test to assess selective attention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Abnormal pre-frontal cortex function is linked to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• The pre-frontal cortex manages executive functions, including selective attention, crucial for focusing on stimuli and ignoring distractions.
• The Stroop Test is a standard tool for assessing selective attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if children diagnosed with ADHD demonstrate altered performance on the Stroop Test.
• To compare the selective attention abilities of children with and without ADHD using a computerized version of the Stroop Test.

Main Methods:

• A computerized Stroop Test was administered to 62 Brazilian children aged 8-12.
• Participants included 31 children diagnosed with ADHD and 31 typically developing children.
• ADHD diagnosis was confirmed using DSM-IV-TR criteria and the Conners Abbreviated Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Children with ADHD displayed significantly greater interference in reaction times compared to their non-ADHD peers.
• This indicates a deficit in selective attention among children with ADHD.
• Increased reaction times on the Stroop Test are a measurable indicator of this attention deficit.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the hypothesis that children with ADHD have a deficit in selective attention.
• The Computerized Stroop Test effectively measures this deficit, showing augmented reaction times in children with ADHD.
• This research highlights the impact of ADHD on executive functions, specifically selective attention.