Working memory and decision making in children with ADHD: an analysis of delay discounting with the use of the dual-task paradigm

BMC Psychiatry

Giovanni Pioggia¹  Flavia Marino¹  David Vagni¹  Liliana Ruta¹  Rosa Angela Fabio²  Tindara Caprì²  Marilla Bianco³ 

[1] CNR-IRIB, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council of Italy, via Torre Bianca, Mortelle, Messina, Italy;Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy;Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy;

关键词: ADHD;    Cognitive load;    Decision-making;    Delayed discounting;    Working memory;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12888-020-02677-y

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundDeficits in working memory tasks have been widely documented in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of working memory load in impulsivity during decision-making processes. A delayed discounting (DD) paradigm was used, comparing children with ADHD and age-matched controls.MethodThirty-two children equally divided between typically developing and ADHD, from 8 to 10 years of age were assigned to sessions of a dual-task paradigm. In the primary task the child has to choose between two different amounts of money at different time delays, while in the secondary task the child has to repeat a random series of digits with different lengths. The experiment was conducted in a school setting.ResultsCompared to peers with typical development, delayed discounting was significantly stronger in children with ADHD and discounting rates increased in both groups for heavier memory loads. Furthermore, the memory load impact on frequency of immediate rewards was stronger in children with ADHD compared to typically developing children.DiscussionResults are discussed in terms of the relation between working memory load and decision-making processes, their impact on impulsive behaviour in ADHD and the need for future research to understand possible neurocognitive correlates and use that information to develop better inclusive policies.

【 授权许可】

CC BY