The German Journal of Psychiatry

Vol. 14 (2011) - Issue 2

Efficacy of Cognitive Retraining Techniques in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Gaurav Rajender, Shahzadi Malhotra, Manjeet S. Bhatia, Tej B. Singh, Krishna Kanwal

Abstract:
Background: Pharmacotherapy using stimulants has emerged as a primary mode of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, these stimulants often do not ameliorate all the problems (especially attentional problems) that these children experience. Considering this, the use of non-pharmacological treatments that are designed to improve attention and other cognitive abilities need to be empirically investigated. Aim and Objectives: To study the efficacy of cognitive retraining (CR) techniques in management of ADHD.

Materials and Methods: Pre and post-intervention study design was used with 20 children, ages 7 to 11 years, diagnosed with (ADHD). Treatment and wait list control groups (n=10) were matched for age, sex, and medication status. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention assessment batteries that included psychometric measures of sustained attention, selective attention (Digit Vigilance task), focused attention (Colour Trails Test), divided attention (Triads Test), a measure of academic efficiency (Grade Level Assessment Device, GLAD), and behavioral rating scales (ADHDT). Intervention comprised of 36 hours of cognitive retraining activities aimed to enhance selective, sustained and divided attention. SPSS version17.0 was used for descriptive and analytical statistical analysis.

Results: The mean change from baseline for sustained attention (errors), focused attention and selective attention and was significantly greater in the CR group than in wait list control group (p<0.05). The mean change from baseline was significant higher for divided attention in the CR group than in wait list control group (p<0.01). Post intervention, the mean academic performance of the subjects of CR group was found to be higher than in the wait list control group.

Conclusion: Cognitive retraining aimed at enhancing attention carries the potential of enhancing attention of children with ADHD along with improving their academic performance. It also reduces the severity of reported behavioral manifestations of inattention–impulsivity (German J Psychiatry 2011; 14(2): 55-59).

Keywords: Cognitive Retraining, ADHD

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