Evaluation of neuropsychological test performance of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the neuropsychological test performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and normal/high- intelligence. Methods: Patients who were admitted to the Gazi University School of Medicine, pediatric neurology outpatient clinic for complaints of attention deficit, hyperactivity and had a diagnosis of ADHD and did not use medication for at least 2 months were included the study. The control group was selected among the students who attend the primary schools affiliated to the Ministry of Education in Ankara. After a preliminary evaluation with the Wechsler Children's Intelligence Scale (WISC-R) in the diagnosis group, all participants were assessed by Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test (RSPM) and Stroop Test TBAG form. Results: The ADHD group consisted of 80 male 6-10 years (72-131 months) and control group consisted of 73 male, 6-10 years (72-131 months). The scores obtained from the RSPM were found to be higher for all subtests in the control group than in ADHD group. All subtests scores in Stroop Test TBAG form were found to be lower than ADHD group. Conclusion: This study emphasizes that RSPM is an effective tool for evaluating ADHD subtypes, assessing regular and accurate thinking, mental skill and speed of action, general competence, visual-spatial processes and analytical intelligence, and using it in the follow up of ADHD. Furthermore, the stroop test demonstrated the sensitivity of children to assessing executive functioning in the presence of ADHD, impaired behaviour, and oppositional defiant disorder.