Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | 2446 - cognitive training and Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
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| Contribution code | PS02-46 (P) |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
| Topic |
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| Abstract |
Working memory is often altered in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Cogmed program is designed to target working memory. This intervention is proposed for ADHD patients. The first part of this presentation (article I) is a literature review. The main objective is to examine the effects of the Cogmed program among youth with ADHD. All previous existing studies on the subject that included a control group have been reviewed. To address the limitation underlined by the literature review, two experimental studies have been conducted. The common goal of both studies is to examine the impact of Cogmed program on working memory among young people (article II; ages 7–13) and adults (article III; ages 18-63). The secondary objective of this presentation is to assess generalization of Cogmed effects to other aereas of cognitive and executive functioning and to ADHD symptoms. Studies include a placebo group and a double-blind design. Results indicate that young people and adults with ADHD did not show clinically significant impairment in working memory. Yet working memory is significantly more improved in the Cogmed group in comparison with the placebo group among adults (article III) but not among young people (article II). The effects lasted six months among adults. Young people might have already experienced optimal improvement of working memory before Cogmed program because of medication. Generalization effects, however, were not observed in cognitive and executive functioning and in ADHD symptoms, among young people and adults. The Cogmed program has no lasting effects on particpant's everyday lives. Working memory training is not recommended for the treatment of ADHD. Modification of this intervention are proposed. |