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

Fabio, Rosa Angela ORCID: 0000-0001-7065-1528, Bianco, Marilla, Caprì, Tindara, Marino, Flavia, Ruta, Liliana, Vagni, David ORCID: 0000-0001-8306-6272 and Pioggia, Giovanni ORCID: 0000-0002-8089-7449 (2020) Working memory and decision making in children with ADHD: an analysis of delay discounting with the use of the dual-task paradigm. BMC psychiatry, 20 (1). 272-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02677-y

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Deficits 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.<h4>Method</h4>Thirty-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.<h4>Results</h4>Compared 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.<h4>Discussion</h4>Results 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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Impulsive Behavior, Memory, Short-Term, Reward, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Child, Female, Male, Delay Discounting
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	30 Aug 2022 09:39
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2024 03:26
DOI:	10.1186/s12888-020-02677-y
Open Access URL:	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32487039/
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3162541