1
|
Salmon C, Li S, Burrows EL, Johnson KA. Translational validity of neuropsychological tasks of sustained attention between rodents and humans: A systematic review of three rodent tasks. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38690648 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16117] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Atypical sustained attention is a symptom in a number of neurological and psychological conditions. Investigations into its neural underpinnings are required for improved management and treatment. Rodents are useful in investigating the neurobiology underlying atypical sustained attention and several rodent tasks have been developed for use in touchscreen testing platforms that mimic methodology used in human clinical attention assessment. This systematic review was conducted to assess how translatable these rodent tasks are to equivalent clinical human tasks. Studies using the rodent Continuous Performance Task (rCPT), Sustained Attention Task (SAT), and 5-choice CPT (5C-CPT) were sought and screened. Included in the review were 138 studies, using the rCPT (n = 21), SAT (n = 90), and 5C-CPT (n = 27). Translatability between rodent and human studies was assessed based on (1) methodological similarity, (2) performance similarity, and (3) replication of results. The 5C-CPT was found to be the most translatable cross-species paradigm with good utility, while the rCPT and SAT require adaptation and further development to meet these translatability benchmarks. With greater replication and more consistent results, greater confidence in the translation of sustained attention results between species will be engendered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Salmon
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shuting Li
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma L Burrows
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine A Johnson
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Callan PD, Swanberg S, Weber SK, Eidnes K, Pope TM, Shepler D. Diagnostic Utility of Conners Continuous Performance Test-3 for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Atten Disord 2024; 28:992-1007. [PMID: 38317541 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231223727] [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: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature on the utility of the Conners CPT-3 in persons with ADHD. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. Six databases were searched using inclusion criteria: research studies, year 2000+, English, and ages 8+. Two raters independently screened 1,480 title/abstracts and subsequently reviewed 399 full texts. Data extraction and critical appraisal were conducted. Reflective thematic analysis through inductive coding identified qualitative themes. RESULTS Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria with five themes identified. Five studies found CPT-3 was a weak or poor predictor of ADHD diagnosis while two found it was an adequate predictor. Two studies found CPT-3 could differentiate clients with comorbid ADHD/anxiety from ADHD or ADHD from obsessive-compulsive disorder. One found CPT-3 could not differentiate ADHD from ASD or comorbid ADHD/ASD. CONCLUSIONS Results revealed CPT-3 as a standalone measure is a weak or poor predictor of ADHD. Multiple measures for evaluating persons with ADHD are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah K Weber
- Michigan School of Psychology, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
| | - Kari Eidnes
- Michigan School of Psychology, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
| | - Tara M Pope
- Michigan School of Psychology, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
| | - Dustin Shepler
- Michigan School of Psychology, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee H, Kim H, Lee S, Lee GJ. Establishing Reference Values for a New Computerized Cognitive Function Test Program for Children. Ann Rehabil Med 2024; 48:135-145. [PMID: 38644639 PMCID: PMC11058362 DOI: 10.5535/arm.230014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish reference values for the computerized cognitive test and evaluate cognitive function improvements across different age groups, we introduce the computerized Cognitive Function Test program (eCFT), specifically designed for children. We aimed to establish eCFT reference values and assess cognitive function improvements across different age groups. METHODS We included children aged 3-6 years with confirmed normal cognition based on the Korean Developmental Screening Test for Infants and Children and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II. The eCFT consists of 8 subtests for visual perception, attention, memory, and executive function. RESULTS A total of 66 participants (36 males and 30 females) with an average age of 4.4 years participated. The age 6 group consistently outperformed both age group 3 and 4 in terms of correct responses. With regard to the completed stage, the "selective auditory stimulus" test findings were 2.0 and 3.9 for the age 3 and age 6 groups, respectively (p<0.05). The "trail-making" test findings were 1.7, 2.1, 2.6, and 2.8, respectively (between ages 3 and 6, p<0.01; between ages 4 and 6, p<0.05); moreover, the age 5 group surpassed the age 3 group (2.6 and 1.7, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSION The eCFT is an easily accessible tool to evaluate cognitive function in young children. We introduce reference values with a cutoff range for preschool-aged children, enabling early intervention for those with cognitive impairment. Given its accessibility and relatively short evaluation time, the eCFT has potential for clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunji Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong, Korea
| | - Hajeong Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suan Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Goo Joo Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Traffic Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, Yangpyeong, Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Avisar A. Is the deficit in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder a concentration deficit? APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023; 12:344-352. [PMID: 35998286 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2022.2114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is comprised of two behavioral clusters of symptoms, inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Numerous studies have attempted to address the underlying neuropsychological mechanism of ADHD. However, there is still no uniform mechanism that can fully explain both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. This review describes the research findings that have shifted the focus from cognitive selective attention to executive function deficits and notes that the prominence of the attention deficit remains unclear. As ADHD is not consistently explained by cognitive selective attention but rather with cognitive sustained attention/vigilance and executive function deficits, this review suggests that concentration deficit is likely the cause of inattention symptoms. Indeed, considering concentration deficit as the cause of inattention symptoms may better describe the underlying difficulties of maintaining and controlling attention in ADHD. In addition, as concentration, impulsivity, and hyperactivity may share a common cognitive deficit, this shift in focus may help in identifying a single mechanism for all ADHD symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alon Avisar
- Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Babajanyan D, Freame L, Steele R, Poulton A. Understanding Attentional Functioning in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Could This Improve Diagnostic Specificity? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5077. [PMID: 36981985 PMCID: PMC10049217 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reflect the behavioural and functional outcomes of cognitive processes. Historically they have been based on external observations and lack specificity: clinical cohorts of children meeting diagnostic criteria show that around 40% may also meet diagnostic criteria for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). We have proposed a clinical model to explain this: the Mental Effort Reward Imbalances model of ADHD (MERIM). This model views the lower levels of task completion that underlie several of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as being due to a summation of deficits in executive functioning and reward processing. The subjective experience of inadequate reward from task completion may explain the reduced motivation, negativity, and oppositional attitude associated with ODD. The hypothesis for this study is that descriptions of affected individuals' attentional characteristics could be more specific for the executive functioning deficits associated with ADHD than the current symptom-based approaches. To test whether this might be usable in practice, we conducted a workshop that aimed to characterise in depth the patterns of attention experienced by adults with ADHD and how they impact functioning. Three main patterns were described: (1) complete lapses in attention; (2) partial attention to a task; (3) attending to multiple tasks and distractions, either simultaneously or in rapid sequence. All of these resulted in reduced productivity. They also described strategies for managing their attention deficits. Some people used distractions positively, to stimulate the mind to remain active and engaged rather than losing focus. Multi-tasking could also achieve this by providing higher levels of stimulation, however, the stimulation could itself become a distraction. Interest or stress might maintain engagement; extremes could sometimes lead to hyperfocusing, which was typically infrequent but could be highly productive. Focusing on executive functions may improve diagnostic sensitivity, as the current criteria fail to identify people who function adequately due to their use of strategies that mitigate the effects of their attentional deficits. Such people may present with secondary depression or anxiety rather than clear, behavioural symptoms of ADHD. With further development, the approach described in this paper may provide a more simple and fundamental way of recognising ADHD within the community. In the longer term, focusing more specifically on executive functions may provide cohorts with a 'purer' form of ADHD for scientific study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Babajanyan
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Leanne Freame
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ray Steele
- ADDults with ADHD, 3/51 Wicks Rd., North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Alison Poulton
- Brain Mind Centre Nepean, University of Sydney, 62 Derby St., Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mette C. Time Perception in Adult ADHD: Findings from a Decade-A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3098. [PMID: 36833791 PMCID: PMC9962130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Time perception is impaired in adult ADHD. Since the term time perception subsumes different constructs, including time estimation, time reproduction, time production, and duration discrimination, it remains open whether certain domains are more affected than other domains in adult ADHD. The aim of this explorative review is to present the current state of research on time perception in adult ADHD by analysing studies from the past 10 years. A review of the literature addressing adult ADHD time perception, time estimation, and time reproduction was performed. The search strategy was conducted by using the databases "PubMed", "Medline", and "PSYNDEX". The results of the present review indicate that the number of studies on time perception in adult ADHD is very scarce. Moreover, the main investigated domains of time perception in the past decade were time estimation, time reproduction and time management. Whereas some of the found studies were able to demonstrate a distinct deficit in time estimation, time reproduction and time management other studies were unable to demonstrate a clear association between ADHD and time estimation and time reproduction deficits. However, the diagnostic protocols, study design, and methodology varied between studies. Further studies on time estimation and time reproduction need to be carried out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mette
- Department of Psychology, Immanuel-Kant-Str. 18-20, Protestant University of Applied Sciences, 44809 Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo N, Koerts J, Tucha L, Fetter I, Biela C, König M, Bossert M, Diener C, Aschenbrenner S, Weisbrod M, Tucha O, Fuermaier ABM. Stability of Attention Performance of Adults with ADHD over Time: Evidence from Repeated Neuropsychological Assessments in One-Month Intervals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15234. [PMID: 36429952 PMCID: PMC9690645 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychological assessments of attention are valuable sources of information in the clinical evaluation of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it is unclear whether the attention performance of adults with ADHD is stable or fluctuates over time, which is of great importance in the interpretation of clinical assessments. This study aimed to explore the stability of attention performance of adults with ADHD in repeated assessments at one-month intervals. Twenty-one adults diagnosed with ADHD took part in this study by completing selective attention and vigilance tests three times, each one month apart. Test scores of participants were compared with and interpreted based on test norms. A considerable proportion of 'below average' performance scores were observed in most of the variables of selective attention and vigilance in all three assessments. Further, selective attention and vigilance performance scores did not differ significantly between the three repeated assessments. Finally, the majority of participants received consistent test score interpretations across the three repeated assessments. This study confirms previous research and highlights abnormal selective attention and vigilance performance in adults with ADHD. Further, this study preliminarily demonstrates relatively stable attention performance across repeated assessments, which has the potential to support clinical assessment, treatment planning, and evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nana Guo
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Koerts
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lara Tucha
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Isabel Fetter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
| | - Christina Biela
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
| | - Miriam König
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
| | - Magdalena Bossert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
| | - Carsten Diener
- Department of Applied Psychology, SRH University Heidelberg, 69123 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Aschenbrenner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
| | - Matthias Weisbrod
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, SRH Clinic Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, 76307 Karlsbad-Langensteinbach, Germany
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Tucha
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
- Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Anselm B. M. Fuermaier
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Winter D, Braw Y. Online search strategies utilized in feigning attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while performing a continuous performance test (CPT). APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2022:1-10. [PMID: 36201363 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2128356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of information regarding neuropsychological tests threatens their confidentiality. This concern may be particularly relevant to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) considering its widespread online coverage. The present study explored simulators' online search strategies. METHOD Simulators (n = 39) searched for information before undergoing an evaluation which included performing a continuous performance test (CPT). Their search strategies were analyzed, and their performance was compared to that of ADHD patients (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 38). RESULTS Most simulators reached high-risk websites that provided written and video-based information regarding the test. Sixty percent, comprised mostly of 3rd-year students, reached Google Scholar. These students were also easier to detect as simulators. Common strategies included performing the CPT in accordance with typical ADHD symptoms and avoiding the endorsement of both unusual and stereotypical symptoms. CONCLUSION Simulators can access online information that contains key test data. Higher education may increase the ability to reach academic research while decreasing the ability to convincingly feign impairment. While additional research is needed to examine coaching effects on neuropsychological testing, the risk to test security that many websites pose should be acknowledged and steps, including ones taken by test publishers, should be undertaken to minimize it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoram Braw
- Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| |
Collapse
|