Working memory, Verbal comprehension, Perceptual reasoning and Processing speed in ADHD and Normal children: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a childhood onset disorder marked by persistent, developmentally inappropriate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/ impulsivity, or both that impair functioning to a marked degree. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit a number of cognitive and behavioral abnormalities that are the direct result of the disorder itself, in school-aged children. The knowledge of their cognitive functioning may help us to set objectives for planning treatment goals and improving their social, academic and personal functioning. Aims: The aim of the study was to find out cognitive functioning: working memory, verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning and processing speed among ADHD and comparing with normal children. Settings and Design: Using purposive sampling technique, 30 children diagnosed with ADHD were compared with 30 normal children. Materials and Methods: Screened on Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) for intelligence and ADHD-Symptom checklist (ADHD SC-4) for symptom severity of attention deficit and hyperactivity, all the subjects were assessed on the Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC) to see the cognitive functioning of both the groups of children. Results: ADHD children performed significantly different as compared to normal control on Information, General comprehension, Similarities, Arithmetic, Digit span, Picture completion, Coding and Mazes subtests of MISIC. Findings showed overall there was a significant difference between ADHD and normal children’s performance on four major cognitive domains, viz. verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. Conclusions: Overall, children with ADHD have poor cognitive functioning compared to normal children