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Nejati V, Peyvandi A. The impact of time perception remediation on cold and hot executive functions and behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD. Child Neuropsychol 2024; 30:636-651. [PMID: 37646622 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2023.2252962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Children with ADHD struggle with impaired time management, indicating premature and temporally inadequate behavioral style. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of time perception remediation on hot and cold executive functions (EFs) and behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD. In this pilot study, an RCT design was employed to investigate the effects of the intervention on children with ADHD. The participants were assigned to either the control group (n = 15) or the intervention group (n = 13). The intervention group receive 10-12 sessions of program for attentive remediation of time perception (PART). Time perception, N-back, Wisconsin card sorting, Go/No-Go, balloon analog risk, Iowa gambling tasks, and Conner's parental rating scale were used for the assessment in three baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up sessions. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used for analysis. The results suggest improved time perception and risky decision making in intervention group. Working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility did not improve after intervention. The behavioral symptoms ameliorated after intervention. Time perception is trainable in children with ADHD. This training effect transfers to hot EFs and behavioral symptoms, but not cold EFs. A cognitive model has been proposed based on the results of this studies and other cognitive training studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Peyvandi
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Nejati V, Dehghan M, Shahidi S, Estaji R, Nitsche MA. Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) improves hot and cold executive functions in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sci Rep 2024; 14:7600. [PMID: 38556535 PMCID: PMC10982302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have impaired hot and cold executive functions, which is thought to be related to impaired ventromedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (vmPFC and dlPFC) functions. The present study aimed to assess the impact concurrent stimulation of dlPFC and vmPFC through transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), a non-invasive brain stimulation tool which enhances cortical excitability via application of alternating sinusoidal currents with random frequencies and amplitudes over the respective target regions on hot and cold executive functions. Eighteen children with ADHD received real and sham tRNS over the left dlPFC and the right vmPFC in two sessions with one week interval. The participants performed Circle Tracing, Go/No-Go, Wisconsin Card Sorting, and Balloon Analogue Risk Tasks during stimulation in each session. The results showed improved ongoing inhibition, prepotent inhibition, working memory, and decision making, but not set-shifting performance, during real, as compared to sham stimulation. This indicates that simultaneous stimulation of the dlPFC and the vmPFC improves hot and cold executive functions in children with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, P.O. Box: 1983969411, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahshid Dehghan
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, P.O. Box: 1983969411, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriar Shahidi
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, P.O. Box: 1983969411, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Estaji
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University Tehran, P.O. Box: 1983969411, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
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Nejati V, Derakhshan Z. Attention Training Improves Executive Functions and Ameliorates Behavioral Symptoms in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Implication of Tele-Cognitive-Rehabilitation in the Era of Coronavirus Disease. Games Health J 2024; 13:40-49. [PMID: 38300525 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2023.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with impaired attention, leading to impaired executive function and behavioral symptoms. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of attention training on executive functions and behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD, in a tele-cognitive-rehabilitation setting. Methods: Thirty children (mean age: 9.93 ± 1.68 years, 21 boys) with ADHD were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups of attention training and active control group. Attentive Rehabilitation and Improvement of Attention (ARIA) and a class of storytelling were used for intervention in two groups, in an online platform. Continuous performance test, one-back test, Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), Conner's parent rating scale, and behavioral rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF) were used for assessment in three-baseline, postintervention, and follow-up sessions. Repeated measures analysis of variances were used for analysis. Results: ARIA leads to significant improvement in omission error (P < 0.001), commission error (P = 0.006), and response time (P = 0.005) of continuous performance test, cluster (P = 0.001), but not preservation error (P = 0.110) of WCST, accuracy of NBT (P = 0.004) and the score of Conner's parent rating scale (P < 0.001) and BRIEF (P < 0.001). These results indicate improved attention and executive functions, amelioration of ADHD symptoms, and improved behavioral performance. Conclusion: This study suggests that attention can be trained through tele-cognitive rehabilitation using a remediation program in children with ADHD. The effectiveness of this training can be confirmed by examining the transfer of training effects to other untrained cognitive domains, executive functions, symptoms of ADHD, and behavioral performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Derakhshan
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Nejati V, Khoshroo S, Mirikaram F. Review of spatial disability in individuals with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder: Toward spatial cognition theory. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:312-337. [PMID: 37192629 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231176707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Spatial cognition is the ability to detect, process, integrate, and formulate the spatial aspects of the environment. Spatial abilities, as perceptual doorway of information processing, influence on higher cognitive functions. This systematic review aimed to explore impaired spatial ability in individuals with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). The data from 18 empirical experiments that explored at least one factor of spatial ability in individuals with ADHD was collected in accordance with the PRISMA approach. This study discussed several determinants of impaired spatial ability, including factors, domains, tasks, and measures of spatial ability. Furthermore, the impact of age, gender, and comorbidities are discussed. Finally, a model was proposed to explain the impaired cognitive functions in children with ADHD based on spatial abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Khoshroo
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Bausela-Herreras E, Alonso-Esteban Y, Alcantud-Marín F. Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function in Preschool (BRIEF-P) and Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Floor and Ceiling Effects. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 11:58. [PMID: 38255370 PMCID: PMC10814211 DOI: 10.3390/children11010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is accompanied by executive challenges. OBJECTIVES To obtain evidence of the usefulness of the BRIEF-P and to analyze the possible ceiling and floor effect of its scores in the assessment of executive function in preschoolers with signs compatible with a possible diagnosis of ADHD. METHOD A search was performed in Science Direct, NCBI (PubMed), and ProQuest Education Journals during the period 2012-2022. We included studies that evaluated samples of individuals with symptomatology compatible with ADHD, with an age range between 2 and 6 years, published in English or Spanish. Of a total of 2538 articles, only seven met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 questionnaire. The main variables were age and executive functioning. CONCLUSIONS Executive deficits in early-age individuals with symptoms compatible with ADHD are more extensive than just deficits in working memory. A floor effect has been found in tests associated with hot executive functions and a ceiling effect in cold executive functions. This makes it necessary to use different tests to assess executive performance in preschoolers with ADHD-compatible symptomatology and to design intervention proposals accordingly. The BRIEF-P is an instrument that facilitates obtaining a sensitive and discriminative executive profile, although it should be used in combination with other neuropsychological performance tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francisco Alcantud-Marín
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Nejati V, Famininejad Z, Rad JA. Neural symphony of risky decision making in children with ADHD: Insights from transcranial alternating current stimulation and cognitive modeling. Neurophysiol Clin 2023; 53:102898. [PMID: 37659136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2023.102898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) are key brain regions involved in risky decision making, affected in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aims to examine how entrainment of these areas impacts the process and outcome of risky decision making in children with ADHD. METHODS Eighteen children with ADHD performed the balloon analogue risk-taking task (BART) during five different sessions of tACS (1.5 mA, 6 Hz), separated by one-week intervals, via (1) two channels with synchronized stimulation over the left dlPFC and right vmPFC, (2) the same electrode placement with anti-phase stimulation, (3) stimulation over the left dlPFC only, (4) stimulation over right vmPFC only, and (5) sham stimulation. Four-parameter and constant-sensitivity models were used to model the data. RESULTS The study showed that synchronized stimulation was associated with a reduction in positive prior belief, risk propensity, and deterministic selection. Desynchronized stimulation was associated with accelerated learning from initial selections. Isolated stimulation of the dlPFC leads to riskier decision enhanced learning updates and risk propensity, whereas isolated stimulation of the vmPFC facilitated faster learning and increased probabilistic selection. CONCLUSION The results highlight the important roles of the dlPFC and vmPFC and their communication in decision making, showcasing their impact on various aspects of the decision-making process. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between cognitive and emotional factors in shaping our choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Jamal Amani Rad
- Department of Cognitive Modeling, Institute of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Nejati V, Estaji R, Helisaz Z. Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation Improves Verbal Fluency in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Brain Sci 2023; 13:1257. [PMID: 37759858 PMCID: PMC10526326 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) struggle with impaired verbal fluency as an executive function. The left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and the right inferior frontal gurus (IFG), which show reduced functionality in individuals with ADHD, are involved in verbal fluency. In this study, a total of thirty-seven children with ADHD participated in two separate experiments. Each experiment included three different stimulation conditions: anodal left dlPFC/cathodal right vmPFC stimulation, the reversed montage, and a sham stimulation in Experiment 1, and anodal right dlPFC, anodal right IFG with extracranial return electrode, and a sham stimulation in Experiment 2. During each session, participants performed semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tasks while receiving tDCS. The results revealed a significant main effect of stimulation condition on phonemic verbal fluency during anodal left dlPFC stimulation in Experiment 1, and on semantic verbal fluency during both real stimulation conditions in Experiment 2. In conclusion, this study suggests that anodal left dlPFC stimulation improves phonemic verbal fluency, while anodal right dlPFC and right IFG stimulation enhance semantic verbal fluency. This domain-specific improvement can be attributed to the distinct cognitive demands of phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tasks. Phonemic verbal fluency heavily relies on working memory processes, whereas semantic verbal fluency requires effective inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran P.O. Box 1983969411, Iran
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Nejati V, Mirikaram F, Rad JA. Transcranial direct current stimulation alters the process of reward processing in children with ADHD: Evidence from cognitive modeling. Neurophysiol Clin 2023; 53:102884. [PMID: 37224617 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2023.102884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) are the neural underpinnings of reward processing, which is impaired in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the present study, we aimed to explore the impact of the vmPFC and the dlPFC regulation on reward processing. METHODS Twenty-six children with ADHD performed the balloon analogue risk-taking task (BART) and chocolate delay discounting task (CDDT) during five different sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), separated by a one-week interval: anodal left dlPFC/cathodal right vmPFC, the reversed electrode positioning, anodal left dlPFC stimulation with extracranial return electrode, anodal right vmPFC stimulation with extracranial return electrodes, and sham stimulation. Four-parameter and constant-sensitivity models were used to model the data. RESULTS In the BART, anodal dlPFC/cathodal vmPFC stimulation facilitated conservative decision making, anodal tDCS over dlPFC with extracranial return electrode increased positive beliefs about the explosion of a balloon, and anodal vmPFC/cathodal dlPFC stimulation reduced ongoing learning in the process of decision making. In the CDDT, anodal vmPFC stimulation with extracranial return electrode decreased impatience in the process of the task. CONCLUSION These results suggest a role of the left dlPFC and right vmPFC in the outcome of decision making and the process of risky decision making and delay discounting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fateme Mirikaram
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamal Amani Rad
- Department of Cognitive Modeling, Institute of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Rastikerdar N, Nejati V, Sammaknejad N, Fathabadi J. Developmental trajectory of hot and cold executive functions in children with and without attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 137:104514. [PMID: 37105003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a delayed development. Two main cognitive models of ADHD are executive (cold) and motivational (hot) models. In this study, we aimed to compare the development of hot and cold executive functions in children with and without ADHD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Forty-six children with ADHD symptoms (56% boys) and forty-four typically developing controls (54% boys), in three age groups of 6-8, 8-10 and 10-12 years, were participated in the study. Go/No-Go Task (GNGT), One-Back Test (OBT) and Shifting Attention Test (SAT), Delay Discounting Test (DDT) and Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) were used for assessment. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Children with ADHD showed lower performance in GNG, OBT, SAT, and BART, but intact performance in DDT. The tasks' performance was significantly different between three age groups in GNG and SAT, but similar in OBT and BART. The interaction effect was significant only for the BART measures. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Children with ADHD compared to typically developing children, experience impaired hot and cold executive functions. The cognitive delay was found only in risky decision making as a hot executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Rastikerdar
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Nejati
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Negar Sammaknejad
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalil Fathabadi
- Department of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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