Attention deficit in primary-school-age children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder measured with the attention network test: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To review and meta-analyze patterns of attention deficit in primary-school-age children with ADHD measured with the neuropsychological attention network test (ANT). Methods: Six electronic databases were searched to 5.05.2022. Selection criteria included prospective cohort and intervention studies; ANT used; primary-school-age; diagnosis of ADHD/at high risk. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria (N = 3,826). Compared with controls, children with ADHD had higher scores for Reaction Time (Hedges’ g = 0.433; 95% CI: 0.135–0.731), Reaction Time Variability (Hedges’ g = 0.334; 95% CI: 0.012–0.657), and Alerting Network (Hedges’ g = 0.235; 95% CI: 0.021–0.449) while children at high risk had higher Alerting Network scores (Hedges’ g = 0.176; 95% CI: 0.003–0.349) and Correctness scores (Hedges’ g = 1.956; 95% CI: 0.020–3.892). Conclusions: Children with ADHD and at risk of ADHD had different ANT results from children without ADHD only for the alerting network. There were no significant differences for executive and orienting outcomes. Children at risk of ADHD also made more errors (commission and omission) measured with the ANT compared with children without ADHD. Reaction time was longer and reaction time variability higher in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD, and in children at risk of ADHD compared with children without ADHD.publishedVersio

DIAGNOSIS OF CHILDREN WITH SANFILIPPO DISEASE – PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND MOTOR ASSESSMENT

Sanfilippo disease (mucopolysaccharidosis, MPS IIIA) is one of the types of mucopolysaccharidosis associated with extensive neurological effects and somatic symptoms. The consequences of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment are manifested in challenges with the daily functioning of patients who experience problems with communication and following instructions. The aim of this study was to assess the cognitive functioning of three patients with MPS IIIA and to find patterns of neurodegeneration and to make their environment more friendly. Three boys (from 5.5 to 7 years) with MPS IIIA participated in the study. Each participant attended two meetings, and his functioning was assessed by three independent person (using two-way mirror). We used Bayley’s Scale III with some modifications. Interviews with parents were also included. The communication of patients was limited to some vocalizations. Patients presented instrumental use of items, but not all of them were able to repeat actions after diagnostician or presented object permanence. The results showed that the cognitive functioning of participants was significantly hindered by problems related to motor dysfunction, hyperactivity, and ataxia. The psychological data was collated with medical results. This study allows indicating new sources giving the possibility of child phenotype variability and to create specific interventions in the field of psychological therapy for patients with MPS IIIA and their families

Study protocol empathy and hormonal changes as predictors of sensitive responsiveness towards infant crying: A study protocol

Sensitive responsiveness refers to parents’ ability to recognize and respond to infants’ cues and has been linked to parental empathy. Additionally, oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hormones important for sensitivity and empathy. The aim of this study is to test the links between dispositional empathy along with changing OT and AVP levels and responsiveness to a life-like doll in couples and to verify whether these factors are predictors of responsiveness to a child’s cues. Exploratory analyses include predictors of sensitive responsiveness: polymorphisms of OXTR, AVPR1a and CD38 genes, personal characteristics and relational factors. The project employs standardized experimental settings that can be used with non-parents and the assessment of parental sensitive responsiveness towards their child. The participants are couples expecting their first child (111) and childless couples (110). The procedure involves caretaking of a life-like doll. Salivary samples and questionnaire data are collected in a planned manner. In the second part, the expectant couples are invited for the assessment of their sensitivity to their own child (Free Play episodes). Parental sensitivity is assessed using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale. This paper presents an interdisciplinary research project that reaches beyond the questionnaire measurement, considering many factors influencing the dynamics of adult–infant interaction