Executive function and adhd: Stimulant medication and better executive function performance in children

Abstract

Objective: Executive function deficits have been repeatedly reported in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Importantly, stimulant medication has been shown to be effective in improving cognitive performance on most executive function tasks. However, neuropsychological tests used to measure executive function in this population have yielded inconsistent results. Methodological limitations, including the use of paper and pencil tasks, may explain these inconsistencies. This study aims to measure executive function in medicated and non-medicated children with ADHD by using a computerised battery, the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The CANTAB has previously proved sensitive to executive function deficits in older patients with neurological impairments that are fronto-striatal in nature.Methods: Executive function was assessed in 66 children with ADHD: 40 were stimulant medication naive and 26 were treated with stimulant medication. These two groups we...