Age-dependent differences in attentional processes in ADHD and disruptive behavior disorder

Dev Neuropsychol. 2009;34(4):422-34. doi: 10.1080/87565640902964482.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze age-dependent differences in attentional performance in subjects aged 8-16 years with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with or without disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). Age effects were investigated in three different groups (ADHD [N = 118], ADHD + DBD [N = 105], and controls [N = 105]) on a sustained attention and a Go-No-Go paradigm. Attentional competencies increased with age and children in the two clinical groups performed worse than control children on both tasks. However, these group differences between ADHD, ADHD + DBD, and controls decreased with increasing age. Thus, age-related differences must be considered in neuropsychological studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Attention*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Surveys and Questionnaires