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Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Computer-based multiple component cognitive training in children with ADHD: a pilot study

Authors: Yingying Wu, Lingzi Xu, Zhaomin Wu, Xiaolan Cao, Gui Xue, Yufeng Wang, Binrang Yang

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

ADHD is associated with deficits in executive functions. Cognitive training is a promising nonpharmacological intervention for ADHD, however, there is insufficient evidence to guide the selection of training for individuals with ADHD. This pilot study aims to investigate the efficacy of executive function training targeting key executive dysfunctions in ADHD, compared with general executive function training which targets other executive functions.

Methods

A total of 127 subjects (6–12 years) diagnosed with ADHD were allocated to receive one of two different cognitive trainings. ADHD symptoms and cognitive functions were evaluated using parent-rated scales and CANTAB cognitive assessments. All participants were required to complete 48 training sessions within a two-month period.

Results

94 out of 127 children completed the required training and assessments. Both ADHD executive function training group and general executive function training group showed significant improvement in ADHD symptoms on the ADHD Rating Scale and in executive function on the assessment of CANTAB. There was no significant difference in improvements between the two groups. Subgroup analysis suggested that children who had ADHD-RS total scores less than or equal to 28 at baseline showed greater improvement following ADHD executive function training.

Conclusions

This study indicates that cognitive training can improve ADHD symptoms and executive function, with no difference in efficacy between targeted and generalized cognitive training. In addition, individuals with lower symptom severity may benefit more from training targeting key ADHD executive dysfunctions.
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Metadata
Title
Computer-based multiple component cognitive training in children with ADHD: a pilot study
Authors
Yingying Wu
Lingzi Xu
Zhaomin Wu
Xiaolan Cao
Gui Xue
Yufeng Wang
Binrang Yang
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-022-00553-z

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