Random number generation and the ability of mentally reconstructing context in patients with organic amnesia.

Studies investigating amnesic patients have shown the involvement of the medial temporal lobe during working memory (WM) tasks, especially when multiple items or features have to be associated. However, so far, no study has examined the relationship between episodic memory and WM components in patients with amnesia for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the null retention relates to deficits in the episodic buffer (EB) or the central executive (CE) components of WM. Methods: This study included 15 amnesic patients with mixed etiologies and 13 matched healthy controls. These 15 amnesic patients with mixed etiologies were divided into two subgroups: NUL subgroup (n=7) patients whose raw score was 0 (zero) on the Logical Memory delayed recall test and MOR subgroup (n=8) patients who recalled at least 1 item. The EB was assessed by complex span tasks, and the CE was assessed by random number generation (RNG) test. Results: EB tasks were impaired in both subgroups compared with controls. RNG was impaired in NUL (p=0.03), but not in MOR (p=0.99), subgroup. Conclusions: CE impairment hampers the retrieval mode action, preventing it from initiating the mental reconstruction of the context in which the to-be-remembered information was presented minutes ago.

Estudos que investigaram pacientes amnésicos demonstraram envolvimento do lobo temporal medial durante tarefas de memória de trabalho, especialmente quando vários itens ou características devem ser associados. No entanto, até o momento, não há estudos que tenham examinado a relação entre memória episódica e os subcomponentes da memória de trabalho em pacientes com amnésia por meio de avaliação neuropsicológica ampla. Objetivo: Investigar se a retenção nula está relacionada a déficits no buffer episódico ou nos componentes do executivo central da memória operacional. Métodos: Quinze pacientes amnésicos com etiologias mistas foram divididos em dois subgrupos: subgrupo NUL (n=7), de pacientes cuja pontuação bruta foi 0 (zero) na memória lógica tardia, e subgrupo MOR (n=8), de pacientes que recordaram pelo menos um item; além de 13 controles saudáveis pareados. O retentor episódico foi avaliado por tarefas de spam complexo e o executivo central com geração aleatória de números. Resultados: As tarefas do retentor episódico estavam prejudicadas em ambos os subgrupos em comparação com os controles. O teste de geração aleatória de números foi prejudicado em NUL (p=0,03), mas não no subgrupo MOR (p=0,99). Conclusões: O comprometimento do executivo central dificulta a ação do modo de recuperação, impedindo-o de iniciar a reconstrução mental do contexto em que a informação a ser lembrada foi apresentada, minutos antes.

Weak central coherence in adults with ASD: Evidence from eye-tracking and thematic content analysis of social scenes.

Central Coherence Weakness has been defined as a tendency for local rather than global processing that may underlie core deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In social contexts it may be expressed in difficulties to integrate social cues arising from the recognition of emotions in faces or from the environment in order to understand people's interactions. A sample of 28 adults diagnosed with ASD Level 1 and 25 controls was submitted to a cartoon-like task with the instruction to describe social scenes and to Navon letter stimuli. Both quantitative measures and qualitative (thematic content analysis) procedures were used to assess performance. Heatmap and fixation preferences according to the stimuli quadrants were used to investigate eye-tracking patterns. A tendency to local processing, independently of the stimuli type, in the ASD participants was observed. Data from visual tracking by quadrants and from verbal reports suggest loss of social cues important for understanding context. Their reaction time and response duration were increased in relation to controls. The findings corroborate the idea that weak central coherence may be part of the cognitive phenotype in ASD.

Autistic adults often report difficulties in interpreting social situations. These difficulties are commonly associated with a tendency to visually focus on specific parts of the situation (known as local processing) to the detriment of the whole situation. This way of looking at things has been given the name "weak central coherence," and may result in difficulties in understanding a situation or other people's behaviors. A group of ASD and controls were asked to describe two different types of image, one showing a common social situation, the other Navon figure. Eye-tracking technology was used to analyze how the participants looked at the images (which part of the image and for how long) and asked about what they had seen. The results showed that in the group of autistic participants there was a tendency to focus on the details in both types of images. The analysis of the verbal reports revealed that the interpretation of the social contexts by those with ASD was not what was expected, associated with a specific focus on details. These findings may be useful for a better understanding of some difficulties experienced by ASD in social contexts and contribute to therapeutic treatments.

Random number generation and the ability of mentally reconstructing context in patients with organic amnesia / Geração aleatória de números e a capacidade de reconstruir mentalmente o contexto em pacientes com amnésia orgânica

ABSTRACT. Studies investigating amnesic patients have shown the involvement of the medial temporal lobe during working memory (WM) tasks, especially when multiple items or features have to be associated. However, so far, no study has examined the relationship between episodic memory and WM components in patients with amnesia for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the null retention relates to deficits in the episodic buffer (EB) or the central executive (CE) components of WM. Methods: This study included 15 amnesic patients with mixed etiologies and 13 matched healthy controls. These 15 amnesic patients with mixed etiologies were divided into two subgroups: NUL subgroup (n=7) patients whose raw score was 0 (zero) on the Logical Memory delayed recall test and MOR subgroup (n=8) patients who recalled at least 1 item. The EB was assessed by complex span tasks, and the CE was assessed by random number generation (RNG) test. Results: EB tasks were impaired in both subgroups compared with controls. RNG was impaired in NUL (p=0.03), but not in MOR (p=0.99), subgroup. Conclusions: CE impairment hampers the retrieval mode action, preventing it from initiating the mental reconstruction of the context in which the to-be-remembered information was presented minutes ago.

RESUMO. Estudos que investigaram pacientes amnésicos demonstraram envolvimento do lobo temporal medial durante tarefas de memória de trabalho, especialmente quando vários itens ou características devem ser associados. No entanto, até o momento, não há estudos que tenham examinado a relação entre memória episódica e os subcomponentes da memória de trabalho em pacientes com amnésia por meio de avaliação neuropsicológica ampla. Objetivo: Investigar se a retenção nula está relacionada a déficits no buffer episódico ou nos componentes do executivo central da memória operacional. Métodos: Quinze pacientes amnésicos com etiologias mistas foram divididos em dois subgrupos: subgrupo NUL (n=7), de pacientes cuja pontuação bruta foi 0 (zero) na memória lógica tardia, e subgrupo MOR (n=8), de pacientes que recordaram pelo menos um item; além de 13 controles saudáveis pareados. O retentor episódico foi avaliado por tarefas de spam complexo e o executivo central com geração aleatória de números. Resultados: As tarefas do retentor episódico estavam prejudicadas em ambos os subgrupos em comparação com os controles. O teste de geração aleatória de números foi prejudicado em NUL (p=0,03), mas não no subgrupo MOR (p=0,99). Conclusões: O comprometimento do executivo central dificulta a ação do modo de recuperação, impedindo-o de iniciar a reconstrução mental do contexto em que a informação a ser lembrada foi apresentada, minutos antes.

Numerical cognition in children with cerebral palsy.

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often perform poorly in mathematics. It is not yet clear to what extent mathematics difficulties in this clinical condition are similar to those observed in developmental dyscalculia. To better elucidate this issue, we conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study with a sample of children and adolescents with congenital brain injuries and educational history of problems in Mathematics. Fifty students aged 7-15 years, of both genders (28 males) participated in the study, 31 with typical development (TD) and 19 of whom diagnosed with spastic CP. Nine had hemiplegia and ten diplegia. Assessment procedures included a neuropsychological battery covering numerical cognition (ZAREKI-R) and working memory (AWMA) skills, and a computerized task for comparing non-symbolic magnitudes as a measure of number sense. Despite average intelligence coefficient, participants with CP underperformed the TD in five of the 12 ZAREKI-R subtests, as well as in the number sense and working memory tasks. scores were lower among hemiplegic children compared to diplegic, numerical cognition was impaired in all CP group, unveiling a dyscalculia secondary to neurodevelopmental impairments. Therefore, we can consider that mathematical learning difficulties in CP as being heterogeneous and associated with the immaturity of neuropsychological functions, with consequences for the development of numerical cognition.

Executive functions in children with dyslexia.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to verify whether children with dyslexia have difficulties in executive functions (shifting, working memory, inhibition). METHODS: A sample of 47 children (ages 8-13 years) participated in the study: 24 who were dyslexic and 23 controls with typical development. A battery of neuropsychological tests was used. RESULTS: Results revealed executive function difficulties among the dyslexic children when compared with controls, encompassing selective attention modulation processes, shifting, and inhibitory control. These difficulties appeared to be affected by phonological working memory deficits, typically associated with dyslexia. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the consensus among scholars regarding the central involvement of phonological skill dysfunctions in dyslexia.

Executive functions in children with dyslexia / Funções executivas em crianças com dislexia

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify whether children with dyslexia have difficulties in executive functions (shifting, working memory, inhibition). Methods: A sample of 47 children (ages 8-13 years) participated in the study: 24 who were dyslexic and 23 controls with typical development. A battery of neuropsychological tests was used. Results: Results revealed executive function difficulties among the dyslexic children when compared with controls, encompassing selective attention modulation processes, shifting, and inhibitory control. These difficulties appeared to be affected by phonological working memory deficits, typically associated with dyslexia. Conclusion: Our findings support the consensus among scholars regarding the central involvement of phonological skill dysfunctions in dyslexia.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se crianças com dislexia têm dificuldades nas habilidades de funções executivas (shifting, memória operacional e inibição). Métodos: Uma amostra de 47 crianças (idades entre 8 e 13 anos) participaram do estudo: 24 crianças disléxicas e 23 crianças com desenvolvimento típico. Uma bateria de avaliação neuropsicológica foi usada. Results: Os resultados revelaram dificuldades nas funções executivas nas crianças disléxicas quando comparadas com as controle, envolvendo processos de modulação de atenção seletiva, shifting e controle inibitório. Essas dificuldades parecem ser afetadas pelos déficits na memória operacional fonológica, tipicamente associada à dislexia. Conclusion: Assim, nossos achados suportam o consenso de que a disfunção central da dislexia está nas habilidades fonológicas.

Interferência retroativa: o esquecimento como uma interrupção na consolidação da memória / Interferencia retroactiva: olvido como una interrupción en la consolidación de la memoria

O esquecimento é uma condição vivenciada diariamente pelos indivíduos e um conceito de extrema importância para a ciência da memória, apesar de sua experimentação ser complexa. Algumas teorias que tentam definir a ciência do esquecimento são apresentadas neste estudo, todavia, aqui focamos na Teoria da Interferência, principalmente na Interferência Retroativa (IR). A IR é a interferência que ocorre quando uma informação ou tarefa é inserida entre a apresentação de uma informação-alvo e sua posterior recordação. A IR pode ser explicada como uma competição de itens, mas atualmente surge a proposta que ela seja fruto da interrupção de um outro processo, chamado de Consolidação da Memória. A consolidação da memória é o processo através do qual as informações tornam-se estáveis, a partir de processos neurais posteriores ao registro inicial de uma informação que contribuem para o registro definitivo - ou, ao menos, mais duradouro - desta informação. A IR perturbaria estes processos posteriores à aprendizagem, resultando na perda destes materiais. O presente estudo visa propor a possibilidade da investigação mais aprofundada deste tópico para a melhor compreensão desse relevante conceito, visando aprofundar o conhecimento desta hipótese e outras possíveis causas do esquecimento.(AU)

El olvido es una condición experimentada diariamente por individuos y un concepto de suma importancia para la ciencia de la memoria, a pesar de que el proceso de experimentación sea complejo. En el presente estudio algunas teorías que tratan de definir la ciencia de olvido serán discutidas, sin embargo, aquí nos centramos en la teoría de la interferencia, especialmente en la interferencia retroactiva (IR). El IR es la interferencia que se produce cuando se introduce una información o tarea entre la presentación de una información-objetivo y su posterior recordación. El IR se puede explicar como un elemento de competencia entre los elementos, pero recientemente viene la propuesta de que es el resultado de la interrupción de otro proceso, llamado consolidación de la memoria. Consolidación de la memoria es el proceso por el cual ocurre la estabilización de la información, a partir de procesos neuronales posteriores al registro inicial de información que contribuyen al registro definitivo - o por lo menos, más duraderos - de esta información. El IR podría teóricamente perturbar estos procesos posteriores al aprendizaje, lo que resulta en la pérdida de estas informaciones. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo proponer una investigación mas profunda de este tema para comprender mejor este importante concepto, dirigido a profundizar el conocimiento de esta hipótesis y de otras posibles causas del olvido.(AU)

Interferência retroativa: o esquecimento como uma interrupção na consolidação da memória / Interferencia retroactiva: olvido como una interrupción en la consolidación de la memoria / Retroactive interference: forgetting as an interruption of memory consolidation

O esquecimento é uma condição vivenciada diariamente pelos indivíduos e um conceito de extrema importância para a ciência da memória, apesar de sua experimentação ser complexa. Algumas teorias que tentam definir a ciência do esquecimento são apresentadas neste estudo, todavia, aqui focamos na Teoria da Interferência, principalmente na Interferência Retroativa (IR). A IR é a interferência que ocorre quando uma informação ou tarefa é inserida entre a apresentação de uma informação-alvo e sua posterior recordação. A IR pode ser explicada como uma competição de itens, mas atualmente surge a proposta que ela seja fruto da interrupção de um outro processo, chamado de Consolidação da Memória. A consolidação da memória é o processo através do qual as informações tornam-se estáveis, a partir de processos neurais posteriores ao registro inicial de uma informação que contribuem para o registro definitivo - ou, ao menos, mais duradouro - desta informação. A IR perturbaria estes processos posteriores à aprendizagem, resultando na perda destes materiais. O presente estudo visa propor a possibilidade da investigação mais aprofundada deste tópico para a melhor compreensão desse relevante conceito, visando aprofundar o conhecimento desta hipótese e outras possíveis causas do esquecimento.

El olvido es una condición experimentada diariamente por individuos y un concepto de suma importancia para la ciencia de la memoria, a pesar de que el proceso de experimentación sea complejo. En el presente estudio algunas teorías que tratan de definir la ciencia de olvido serán discutidas, sin embargo, aquí nos centramos en la teoría de la interferencia, especialmente en la interferencia retroactiva (IR). El IR es la interferencia que se produce cuando se introduce una información o tarea entre la presentación de una información-objetivo y su posterior recordación. El IR se puede explicar como un elemento de competencia entre los elementos, pero recientemente viene la propuesta de que es el resultado de la interrupción de otro proceso, llamado consolidación de la memoria. Consolidación de la memoria es el proceso por el cual ocurre la estabilización de la información, a partir de procesos neuronales posteriores al registro inicial de información que contribuyen al registro definitivo - o por lo menos, más duraderos - de esta información. El IR podría teóricamente perturbar estos procesos posteriores al aprendizaje, lo que resulta en la pérdida de estas informaciones. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo proponer una investigación mas profunda de este tema para comprender mejor este importante concepto, dirigido a profundizar el conocimiento de esta hipótesis y de otras posibles causas del olvido.

Although experimenting with forgetting is complex, forgetting is not only a condition experienced by individuals every day but also an extremely important concept in memory science. Some theories that attempt to define the science of forgetting are presented in this study; however, we have focused here on the theory of interference, retroactive interference (RI) in particular. RI is the interference that occurs when a task or piece of information is inserted between the presentation of target information and its subsequent recall. Although RI can be explained as competition between items, some have now proposed that it results from the interruption of the process of memory consolidation, through which information become stable; neural processes following the initial recording of information contribute to the definitive-or, at least, longer lasting-record of this information. RI disrupts post-learning processes, resulting in the loss of these materials. This study proposes a deeper investigation of RI and memory consolidation to obtain a better understanding of this important concept, seeking to deepen knowledge of this hypothesis and other possible causes of forgetting.

Group cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with ADHD.

The present study analyzed the use of group CBT protocol to treat ADHD by comparing two types of treatment, unimodal (medication only) and multimodal (medication combined with CBT), in terms of their effects on cognitive and behavioral domains, social skills, and type of treatment effect by ADHD subtype. Participants were 60 children with ADHD, subtypes inattentive and combined, aged 7 to 14, 48 boys. Combined treatment included 20 CBT sessions while all children were given Ritalin LA® 20 mg. Cognitive and behavioral outcome measures showed no differences between treatment groups. On social skills, multimodal showed more improvement in frequency indicators on empathy, assertiveness, and self-control subscales and in the difficulty on assertiveness and self-control subscales. Using a group CBT protocol for multimodal ADHD treatment may improve patient adherence and ADHD peripheral symptoms.

Group cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with ADHD

The present study analyzed the use of group CBT protocol to treat ADHD by comparing two types of treatment, unimodal (medication only) and multimodal (medication combined with CBT), in terms of their effects on cognitive and behavioral domains, social skills, and type of treatment effect by ADHD subtype. Participants were 60 children with ADHD, subtypes inattentive and combined, aged 7 to 14, 48 boys. Combined treatment included 20 CBT sessions while all children were given Ritalin LA® 20 mg. Cognitive and behavioral outcome measures showed no differences between treatment groups. On social skills, multimodal showed more improvement in frequency indicators on empathy, assertiveness, and self-control subscales and in the difficulty on assertiveness and self-control subscales. Using a group CBT protocol for multimodal ADHD treatment may improve patient adherence and ADHD peripheral symptoms. (AU)

Methylphenidate as a cognitive enhancer in healthy young people / Metilfenidato como ampliador cognitivo em jovens saudáveis

ABSTRACT. The so-called cognitive enhancers have been widely and increasingly used by healthy individuals who seek improvements in cognitive performance despite having no pathologies. One drug used for this purpose is methylphenidate, a first-line drug for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objective: The aim of the present study was to test the effect of acute administration of varying doses of methylphenidate (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and placebo) on a wide range of cognitive functions in healthy young people. Methods: A total of 36 young university students and graduates participated in the study. The participants underwent tests of attention and of episodic, and working memory. Results: No differences in performance were observed on any of the tests. There was a dose-dependent (40 mg > placebo) effect on self-reported wellbeing. Conclusions: According to the recent literature, psychostimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, improve performance when cognitive processes are below an optimal level, which was not the case for the subjects of the present study. We suggest the impression that methylphenidate enhances cognitive performance in healthy young people, justifying its use, may be due to improvements in subjective wellbeing promoted by the drug.

RESUMO. Os chamados ampliadores cognitivos têm sido ampla e crescentemente utilizados por indivíduos saudáveis, que apesar de não apresentarem nenhum tipo de patologia, buscam por melhoras no desempenho cognitivo. Um fármaco utilizado para este fim é o metilfenidato, droga de primeira escolha para tratamento do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH). Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito da administração aguda de diferentes doses de metilfenidato (10, 20 e 40 mg e placebo) sobre uma ampla gama de funções cognitivas em jovens saudáveis. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 36 jovens universitários ou graduados, tendo sido realizados testes de atenção, memória operacional, episódica. Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças no desempenho dos sujeitos em nenhum dos testes. Houve efeito na auto-avaliação de bem estar, sendo este efeito dose dependente (40 mg > placebo). Conclusão: De acordo com a literatura recente, medicações psicoestimulantes, como o metilfenidato, produzem melhoras no desempenho quando os processos cognitivos estão abaixo de um nível ótimo, o que não era o caso dos sujeitos do presente estudo. Sugerimos que a impressão de que o metilfenidato melhora o desempenho cognitivo em pessoas jovens e saudáveis se deve ao seu efeito subjetivo de bem-estar.

Methylphenidate as a cognitive enhancer in healthy young people.

The so-called cognitive enhancers have been widely and increasingly used by healthy individuals who seek improvements in cognitive performance despite having no pathologies. One drug used for this purpose is methylphenidate, a first-line drug for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to test the effect of acute administration of varying doses of methylphenidate (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and placebo) on a wide range of cognitive functions in healthy young people. METHODS: A total of 36 young university students and graduates participated in the study. The participants underwent tests of attention and of episodic, and working memory. RESULTS: No differences in performance were observed on any of the tests. There was a dose-dependent (40 mg > placebo) effect on self-reported wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: According to the recent literature, psychostimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, improve performance when cognitive processes are below an optimal level, which was not the case for the subjects of the present study. We suggest the impression that methylphenidate enhances cognitive performance in healthy young people, justifying its use, may be due to improvements in subjective wellbeing promoted by the drug.

Os chamados ampliadores cognitivos têm sido ampla e crescentemente utilizados por indivíduos saudáveis, que apesar de não apresentarem nenhum tipo de patologia, buscam por melhoras no desempenho cognitivo. Um fármaco utilizado para este fim é o metilfenidato, droga de primeira escolha para tratamento do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH). OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito da administração aguda de diferentes doses de metilfenidato (10, 20 e 40 mg e placebo) sobre uma ampla gama de funções cognitivas em jovens saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 36 jovens universitários ou graduados, tendo sido realizados testes de atenção, memória operacional, episódica. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças no desempenho dos sujeitos em nenhum dos testes. Houve efeito na auto-avaliação de bem estar, sendo este efeito dose dependente (40 mg > placebo). CONCLUSÃO: De acordo com a literatura recente, medicações psicoestimulantes, como o metilfenidato, produzem melhoras no desempenho quando os processos cognitivos estão abaixo de um nível ótimo, o que não era o caso dos sujeitos do presente estudo. Sugerimos que a impressão de que o metilfenidato melhora o desempenho cognitivo em pessoas jovens e saudáveis se deve ao seu efeito subjetivo de bem-estar.

Neuropsychological Profiles Correlated with Clinical and Behavioral Impairments in a Sample of Brazilian Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that implies several-step process, and there is no single test to diagnose both ADHD and associated comorbidities, such as oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), anxiety disorder, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities. The purpose of the present study was to examine correlations between behavioral and clinical symptoms by administering an extensive neuropsychological battery to a sample of children and adolescents from a developing country. The sample was divided into three groups: non-ADHD, ADHD-non-comorbid, and ADHD + comorbidity. A full neuropsychological battery and clinical assessment found that 105 children met DSM-5 criteria, of whom 46.6% had the predominantly inattentive presentation, 37.3% had combined presentation, and 16% were predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation. The internal correlation between neuropsychological tests did not reach statistical significance in the comparison between ADHD and non-ADHD cases (p < 0.17). Clinical ADHD cases, including both + comorbidity and non-comorbid groups, performed substantially worse on continuous performance test (CPT), working memory. Comparing ADHD-non-comorbid and ADHD + comorbidity groups, the latter did significantly worse on inhibitory control, time processing, and the level of perseveration response on CPT indexes, as well as on working memory performance and child behavior checklist (CBCL) tests particularly the CBCL-deficient emotional self-regulation test in the ADHD + comorbidity group. Children diagnosed as ODD or with conduct disorder showed close correlations between clinical CBCL profiles and externalized symptoms. Our findings suggest that ADHD + comorbidity and ADHD non-comorbid cases may be differentiated by a number of neuropsychological measures, such as processing speed, inhibitory control, and working memory, that may reflect different levels of involvement of the hot and cool executive domains, which are more impaired in cases of severe symptomatic-externalized behavior and emotional regulation problems. Therefore, profiles based on clinical and behavioral findings can help clinicians select better strategies for detecting neuropsychological impairment in Brazilian children with ADHD.

Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Token Economy to Alleviate Dysfunctional Behavior in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Medication has proved highly efficacious as a means of alleviating general symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, many patients remain functionally impaired by inappropriate behavior. The present study analyzed the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with the Token-Economy (TE) technique to alleviate problem behavior for 25 participants with ADHD, all children (19 boys, mean age 10.11) on long-term methylphenidate medication, who were given 20 CBT sessions with 10 weeks of TE introduced as of session 5. Their ten most acute problem behaviors were selected and written records kept. On weekdays, parents recorded each inappropriate behavior and provided a suitable model for their actions. At weekly sessions, problem behaviors were counted and incident-free participants rewarded with a token. To analyze improvement (less frequent problem behavior), a list of 11 behavioral categories was rated: inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, disorganization, disobeying rules and routines, poor self-care, verbal/physical aggression, low frustration tolerance, compulsive behavior, antisocial behavior, lacking in initiative and distraction. Two CBT specialists categorized behaviors and an ADHD specialist ruled on discrepancies. Statistical analyses used were Generalized Estimating Equations with Poisson distribution and autoregressive order correlation structure. In the course of the sessions, problematic behaviors decreased significantly in seven categories: impulsiveness, hyperactivity, disorganization, disobeying rules and routine, poor self-care, low frustration tolerance, compulsive behaviors, and antisocial behaviors. Caregiver attitudes to children's inappropriate behavior were discussed and reshaped. As functional improvement was observed on applying TE for 10 weeks, this type of intervention may be useful as an auxiliary strategy combined with medication.

Attentional Profiles and White Matter Correlates in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Inattentive Type.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a widely studied neurodevelopmental disorder. It is a highly heterogeneous condition, encompassing different types of expression. The predominantly inattentive type is the most prevalent and the most stable over the lifetime, yet it is the least-studied presentation. To increase understanding of its cognitive profile, 29 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder of predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I) and 29 matched controls, aged 7-15 years, had their attentional abilities assessed through the Conners' continuous performance test. Diffusion tensor imaging data were collected for all of the participants using a 3.0-T MRI system. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were obtained for 20 fiber tracts, and brain-behavior correlations were calculated for 42 of the children. The ADHD-I children differed significantly from the typically developing (TD) children with respect to attentional measures, such as the ability to maintain response-time consistency throughout the task (Hit RT SE and Variability), vigilance (Hit RT ISI and Hit RT ISI SE), processing speed (Hit RT), selective attention (Omissions), sustained attention (Hit RT Block Change), error profile (Response Style), and inhibitory control (Perseverations). Evidence of significant differences between the ADHD-I and the TD participants was not found with respect to the mean FA values in the fiber tracts analyzed. Moderate and strong correlations between performance on the attention indicators and the tract-average FA values were found for the ADHD-I group. Our results contribute to a better characterization of the attentional profile of ADHD-I individuals and suggest that in children and adolescents with ADHD-I, attentional performance is mainly associated with the white matter structure of the long associative fibers that connect anterior-posterior brain areas.

Development of alternative versions of the Logical Memory subtest of the WMS-R for use in Brazil / Desenvolvimento de versões alternativas do subteste Memória Lógica da WMS-R para uso no Brasil

The logical memory test of the Wechsler Memory Scale is one of the most frequently used standardized tests for assessing verbal memory and consists of two separate short stories each containing 25 idea units. Problems with practice effects arise with re-testing a patient, as these stories may be remembered from previous assessments. Therefore, alternative versions of the test stimuli should be developed to minimize learning effects when repeated testing is required for longitudinal evaluations of patients. OBJECTIVE: To present three alternative stories for each of the original stories frequently used in Brazil (Ana Soares and Roberto Mota) and to show their similarity in terms of content, structure and linguistic characteristics. METHODS: The alternative stories were developed according to the following criteria: overall structure or thematic content (presentation of the character, conflict, aggravation or complements and resolution); specific structure (sex of the character, location and occupation, details of what happened); formal structure (number of words, characters, verbs and nouns); and readability. RESULTS: The alternative stories and scoring criteria are presented in comparison to the original WMS stories (Brazilian version). CONCLUSION: The alternative stories presented here correspond well thematically and structurally to the Brazilian versions of the original stories. .

O teste Memória Lógica da Escala Wechsler de Memória é uma das tarefas mais empregadas de avaliação de memória e é composto de duas histórias sobre diferentes personagens que contém 25 itens. A repetição destas histórias para a mesma pessoa em diferentes ocasiões leva a uma melhora nos escores por efeito de familiaridade com seu conteúdo. Portanto, versões alternativas deste teste devem ser construídas de modo a permitir que o teste seja repetido em situações como a avaliação longitudinal de pacientes. OBJETIVO: Apresentar 3 histórias alternativas a cada uma das versões das histórias originais mais empregadas no Brasil (Ana Soares e Roberto Mota). MÉTODOS: As histórias alternativas foram construídas obedecendo aos seguintes critérios: estrutura geral ou conteúdo temático (apresentação do personagem; conflito; agravante ou complemento; resolução); estrutura específica (sexo do personagem; localidade e ocupação, detalhes da ocorrência); estrutura formal (número de palavras, caracteres, verbos e substantivos); e legibilidade. RESULTADOS: São apresentadas as histórias alternativas e critérios de correção em comparação às versões das histórias originais. CONCLUSÃO: as histórias alternativas apresentadas tem correspondência temática e estrutural com as versões brasileiras do teste original. .

Desempenho de escolares em atenção e funções executivas no Nepsy e inteligência / Performance of school-aged children in attention and executive functions on the Nepsy and intelligence / Rendimiento de escolares en atención y funciones ejecutivas en el Nepsy e inteligencia

O presente estudo teve por objetivo traçar o perfil do desempenho de escolares no domínio atenção/funções executivas e inteligência, além de comparar o desempenho de crianças de escola pública e particular, e analisar as relações entre as variáveis sociodemográficas. Participaram 60 escolares de 6 a 12 anos. Foram verificadas correlações significativas entre desempenho no Wisc III e no domínio de atenção/funções executivas da bateria Nepsy com as variáveis sexo, tipo de escola, renda familiar e escolaridade dos pais. Quando comparadas com as crianças de escola particular, as de escola pública obtiveram desempenho significativamente inferior em todos os testes avaliados. Compararam-se os resultados por tipo de escola com os dados de normatização norte-americana do Nepsy e percebeu-se que as crianças brasileiras de rede pública obtiveram resultado significativamente inferior apenas no subteste de atenção visual, ao passo que os estudantes de escolas particulares obtiveram melhores escores em atenção visual e auditiva, em tarefas de planejamento, seleção e alternância de estímulos.

The present study aimed to profile the performance of students in attention/executive functions and intelligence domains, compare the performance of children in public and private schools, and analyse the relation between sociodemographic varia­bles. Participants were 60 students aged 6 to 12 years old. Significant correlations were found between performance on the Wisc III and attention/executive functions domain (Nepsy batery) with the variables gender, school type, family income, parent education. Public school children had significantly lower performance in all tests assessed compared to private school children. The results was compared by type of school with the North American normative data of Nepsy and it was noticed that Brazilian public children had significantly lower result only in visual attention subtest, while students from private schools had better scores in visual and auditory attention, in planning tasks, selection and alternating stimuli.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo hacer el perfil del rendimiento de los estudiantes en el dominio de atención/funciones ejecutivas y de inteligencia, además de comparar el desempeño de los niños de las escuelas públicas y privadas, y analizar la relación entre las variables sociodemográficas. Participaron 60 estudiantes de 6 a 12 años. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre el desempeño en el Wisc III y en el dominio de la atención/ funciones ejecutivas de la batería Nepsy con las variables sexo, tipo de escuela, el ingreso familiar, la educación de los padres. Los niños de las escuelas públicas obtuvieron rendimiento significativamente más bajo en todas las pruebas evaluadas en comparación a los niños de escuela privada. Los resultados fueron comparados por tipo de escuela con los datos normativos norteamericanos del Nepsy y se observó que el grupo de niños brasileños de las escuelas públicas obtuvieron resultados significativamente más bajos sólo en la prueba atención visual, mientras que los estudiantes de las escuelas privadas tuvieron mejores puntuaciones en la atención visual y auditiva, en las tareas de planificación, selección y estímulos alternados.

Adaptation of the word subtest of the Reading Decision Test (RDT) for brazilian portuguese / Adaptação do subteste de leitura do Reading Decision Test (RDT) para o português brasileiro

Screening tests for reading skills are essential instruments for teachers and professionals in educational settings. This study examines an adaptation of the lexical decision subtest of the Reading Decision Test (RDT), which has two equally weighted forms, each containing words and pseudo-words, to Brazilian Portuguese. The adaptation followed standards recommended by the international literature and was applied to a sample of 230 schoolchildren from 1st to 5th grades in order to analyze its initial psychometric properties. Item analysis and reading speed showed significant school-year effect (p < .05). Scores on the two forms of the subtest were closely correlated. In conclusion, the RDT word decision subtest showed appropriate initial psychometric properties.(AU)

Testes rápidos (screenings) de avaliação de leitura são instrumentos essenciais para professores e profissionais no âmbito educacional. Este estudo adaptou para o português o subteste de leitura de palavras do Reading Decision Test (RDT), o qual tem duas formas equivalentes, compostas por palavras e pseudopalavras. O processo de adaptação seguiu as regras recomendadas pela literatura internacional e foi aplicado em uma amostra de 230 escolares, do 1º ao 5º ano do ensino fundamental para analisar as propriedades psicométricas iniciais. Observou-se que as análises de itens e da velocidade de leitura mostraram efeito significativo do ano escolar (p < 0,05). Verificou-se também forte correlação entre as duas formas do subteste. Conclui-se que o subteste de palavras do RDT apresenta propriedades psicométricas iniciais adequadas.(AU)

Adaptation of the word subtest of the Reading Decision Test (RDT) for brazilian portuguese / Adaptação do subteste de leitura do Reading Decision Test (RDT) para o português brasileiro

Screening tests for reading skills are essential instruments for teachers and professionals in educational settings. This study examines an adaptation of the lexical decision subtest of the Reading Decision Test (RDT), which has two equally weighted forms, each containing words and pseudo-words, to Brazilian Portuguese. The adaptation followed standards recommended by the international literature and was applied to a sample of 230 schoolchildren from 1st to 5th grades in order to analyze its initial psychometric properties. Item analysis and reading speed showed significant school-year effect (p < .05). Scores on the two forms of the subtest were closely correlated. In conclusion, the RDT word decision subtest showed appropriate initial psychometric properties.

Testes rápidos (screenings) de avaliação de leitura são instrumentos essenciais para professores e profissionais no âmbito educacional. Este estudo adaptou para o português o subteste de leitura de palavras do Reading Decision Test (RDT), o qual tem duas formas equivalentes, compostas por palavras e pseudopalavras. O processo de adaptação seguiu as regras recomendadas pela literatura internacional e foi aplicado em uma amostra de 230 escolares, do 1º ao 5º ano do ensino fundamental para analisar as propriedades psicométricas iniciais. Observou-se que as análises de itens e da velocidade de leitura mostraram efeito significativo do ano escolar (p < 0,05). Verificou-se também forte correlação entre as duas formas do subteste. Conclui-se que o subteste de palavras do RDT apresenta propriedades psicométricas iniciais adequadas.