CONTEXT: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental
disorder with wide repercussions. Since it is etiologically related to delayed maturation,
neurocognition and neurological soft signs (NSS) could be a tool to assess this. Further the
correlation of NSS and neurocognition with severity of ADHD and presence of Specific
Learning Disability (SLD) would give further insight into it.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
To study neurological soft signs and neurocognition in children with ADHD and to
correlate NSS and neurocognition with severity of ADHD and with co morbid Specific Learning
Disability.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN:
The study was carried out in Institute of child health, Department of Child
Psychiatry, Madras Medical College. It was a cross-sectional single interview study.
Materials and Methods: 40 consecutive children diagnosed as having ADHD in each group were
assessed for the presence of neurological soft signs using Revised Physical and Neurological
Examination soft Signs scale (PANESS) and neurocognition using Trail Making Test, Stroop
Test, Verbal Fluency, Verbal N Back Test and Continuous Performance Test. The ADHD was
assesses by SNAP IV scale.
Statistical Analysis:
The data was analyzed using the t-test, chi-squared test and Pearson’s corelational
analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Neurological soft signs were more in ADHD with SLD, especially timed movements. As the severity of ADHD increased, neurological soft signs increased in numbers. ADHD with SLD performed poorly in attention, speed of processing and working memory and the performance worsened with increasing ADHD severity, especially inattention severity