The Efficacy of Working Memory Training as a Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: This study assessed the efficacy of a 5-week, intensive working memory training program for 52 children and adolescents (ages 7-17) who were identified as having ADHD and other co-morbid diagnoses.The study provided a replication of effects, since participants were assigned to the experimental group or waiting-list control group, with the waiting list control group completing training after the experimental group had finished.Parents and teachers completed paper and pencil measures of working memory, executive functioning, and ADHD symptoms at baseline, post-treatment, and four month follow-up.Parent ratings indicated that participants improved on inattention, overall number of ADHD symptoms, initiation, planning/organization, and working memory.These effects were maintained at a four month follow-up period.Teacher ratings did not indicate any significant results.The majority of participants did not show clinically significant or reliable changes.There is some evidence, provided by parent report, that WM may lead to improvements in ADHD symptoms, working memory, and other types of executive functioning; however, more research is needed to determine the validity of these treatment effects, whether treatment effects are maintained over longer follow-up periods, and whether the improvements that are found are clinically significant and reliable.
Author: Christine Adelaide Hanson
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2596734270