Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity: comparative analysis of executive functions between genres based on neurofeedback training

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that presents a characteristic pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD directly affects Executive Functions (EF), responsible for regulating social behavior and cognitive skills. In the clinical context, the symptoms can present themselves in unique ways in each patient. Therefore, we can use different approaches to evaluate these symptoms. This article aims to analyze, through the evaluation of executive functions performed through psychological tests and neurofeedback, how ADHD symptoms are presented in males and females. Psychological tests Digit Span, Corsi Cubes, Verbal Fluency and Five Digit Test (FDT) were used. In addition, a neurofeedback game that adapts the Stroop test in an interactive application was applied through a Brain-Computer Interface. A tool developed was tested with 21 children, 11 with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD and to 10 without the presence of this disorder. Through statistical analysis, we come to establish promises. The results of the neurofeedback analysis met what is expected in the literature, which demonstrate that patients with ADHD have a greater number of slow waves and less beta waves in the prefrontal cortex or, which indicate low stimulation of the central nervous system.