The Effect of Cognitive Inhibition Training on the Reduction of Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Symptoms and the Improvement of Planning Performance

Abstract

Background and aims: The deficit in inhibition has been recognized as a central deficit in ADHD. the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive inhibition training on the reduction of attention-deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and the improvement of planning performance.Methods: Using cluster sampling, 42 children (8 to 11 years old) of the Iranian army personnel were selected from 3 boys’ primarily schools. The diagnosis of students with ADHD was done using Conner’s Teachers Rating Scale and the clinical psychologist’s assessment. The participants were randomly placed into two groups: experimental group (n=27) and control group (n=15). All participants were assessed in terms of IQ before the intervention. Both of the groups were assessed by The Child Symptom Inventory-4 and Tower of London test before and after the intervention.Results: The results indicated that cognitive inhibition training resulted in the reduced attention-deficit symptoms and the improved planning performance (P<0.05); however, there was not a significant difference between the two groups in terms of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity.Conclusion: This study imply that cognitive inhibition training is effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms and improving planning performance to a great extent.