Multidimensional executive function deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessed by Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery

DONG Chao; ZHANG Linlin; ZHONG Yunyu; LIU Yun; LIU Juan; WANG Peng; WANG Yufeng; YANG Binrang; WU Zhaomin; LI Ying

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0355

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2024, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (10) : 1149-1154. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0355

Multidimensional executive function deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessed by Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery

DONG Chao¹, ZHANG Linlin¹, ZHONG Yunyu¹, LIU Yun¹, LIU Juan¹, WANG Peng², WANG Yufeng³, YANG Binrang¹, WU Zhaomin¹, LI Ying¹

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Abstract

Objective To explore the validity of Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) in detecting executive function deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to analyze the correlation among ADHD symptoms, intellectual level and executive function deficits. Methods A total of 441 children with ADHD in Children′s Care and Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Children′s Hospital were selected into this study from September 2017 toSeptember 2020, meanwhile 85 healthy children were enrolled as controls. All children were assessed using the continuous performance task, processing speed task, response inhibition task, and spatial working memory task from the CANTAB. The severity of ADHD symptoms was evaluated using the ADHD Symptom Rating Scale (parent version), behavioral problems in children with ADHD were assessed using the Conners′ Rating Scales, ana Covariance analysis was used to compare differences in executive function measures between the ADHD group and the control group. Partial correlation analysis was used to examine the correlations of the severity of ADHD symptoms with IQ indices and CANTAB measures. Mediation models were built to explore causal relationships among these measures. Results Compared with the control group, children with ADHD performed worse in all executive function domains, except for the RVPPFA (F= 4.46 - 25.90, P <0.05). There were no significant correlations between the ADHD core symptom severity and the executive function deficits (r: -0.017 - 0.13, P>0.05). However, IQ was significantly associated with executive function performances (r=-0.36 - 0.24, P <0.05). IQ served as an effective mediating factor for executive function impairments in children with ADHD(P<0.05). Conclusions CANTAB is a valid tool for detecting executive function deficits in children with ADHD. The executive function in ADHD children is affected by their IQ.

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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / executive function / intelligence cevel / Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)

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DONG Chao, ZHANG Linlin, ZHONG Yunyu, LIU Yun, LIU Juan, WANG Peng, WANG Yufeng, YANG Binrang, WU Zhaomin, LI Ying. Multidimensional executive function deficits in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessed by Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2024, 32(10): 1149-1154 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0355

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