Adult attentional functioning in families with children diagnosed as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore what differences, if any, existed between individuals and families with or without children diagnosed as Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Information was gathered to identify subjects according to such demographic and situational variables as age, race, education, occupation, income, and performance on tasks requiring sustained attention and concentration. to further understand possible etiology each subject completed a neuropsychological battery. Collected data was analyzed to determine if the differences were significant.;The subjects were selected from the author\u27s private practice and the local churches and schools that refer to that practice. Each subject completed a biographical questionnaire, the Gordon Diagnostic System (GDS) and the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery, Form I, Adult version (LNNB). Chi-square analysis, t-tests, and difference of proportions tests were used to examine the collected data.;The groups were similar in terms of age. There were no statistically significant differences between groups on the LNNB. Several of the differences on the GDS measures of vigilance and distractibility did not achieve statistical significance.;Significant differences were noted on variables including education levels, response times during measures of sustained attention, concentration and distractibility, and historical behavioral checklists. A trend analysis of the findings was offered suggesting visual processing as contributing to the delays in response time. The performance of individuals demonstrating problems with attention, concentration, and distractibility revealed significant problems with writing and mathematics. Implications, conclusions, and suggestions for further research were offered

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