[Executive function and working memory in attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and healthy children]

ABSTRACT

Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is a neurodevelopment abnormality. Inattentive behavior is considered a core and pervasive feature of ADHD. This study was done to compare the executive function and working memory in attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and healthy children. This case - control study was done on 50 children with ADHD as cases and 40 healthy children as controls. The disorder was diagnosed by applying Kanerz teacher test and confirmed by a psychiatrist. Stroop test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST], Continuous Performance Test [CPT] and n-back test were used to assess the executive function and working memory. There was a significant difference between case and control groups in regard to executive function and working memory [P<0.05]. Error omission was 16.98 +/- 8.157 and 7.3 +/- 3.824 in cases and controls, respectively [P<0.05]. Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder reduces executive function and working memory in children