The Effects of Working Memory Training in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The Effects of Working Memory Training in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Previous studies indicated that children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often suffer from deficits in executive function, such as attentional control, inhibition, and working memory. One of these executive functions, working memory, plays a critical role in academic performance and classroom behavior. Working memory is essential for performing complex cognitive tasks such as comprehension, learning, and reasoning. Several studies have shown that training of working memory has positive effects for ADHD and other cognitive disorder in children. However, transfer effects across studies appear to be variable and inconsistent. Event-related potentials can be a useful tool to gain insights into such mechanism. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate both near and far transfer effects of N-back training in children with ADHD. In addition, the recording and analysis of event-related potentials will be adopted while children with ADHD perform the complex visuo-spatial and phonological working memory tasks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ADHD diagnosed according to criteria specified in Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5)
• aged between 8 and 10 years
• intelligence quotient > 80 (based on Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-Third Edition)
• had normal or corrected-to-normal vision
• right-handed

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of clinically significant oppositional defiant disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Asperger's syndrome or depression
• history of seizures