A controlled trial of working memory training for children and adolescents with ADHD

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2010;39(6):825-36. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2010.517162.

Abstract

This study assessed the efficacy of a 5-week, intensive working memory training program for 52 children and adolescents (ages 7-17) who had Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other comorbid diagnoses. This study provided a treatment replication since the waitlist control group also completed training and was included in the follow-up data analyses. Parents and teachers completed paper-and-pencil measures of working memory, executive functioning, and ADHD symptoms at baseline, posttreatment, and 4-month follow-up. Parent ratings indicated that participants improved on inattention, overall number of ADHD symptoms, initiation, planning/organization, and working memory. Teacher ratings approached significance at posttreatment and at 4-month follow-up on and Initiate scale. Working memory training appears promising as an intervention in improving executive functioning and ADHD symptoms.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Child
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Comorbidity
  • Executive Function*
  • Faculty
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term*
  • Parents
  • Space Perception
  • Teaching / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Verbal Learning*
  • Visual Perception