Training attention-switching ability in adults with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
Children with ADHD show attention-switching impairment. The present study assessed attention-switching ability in adults with ADHD, the extent to which this ability can be improved via targeted training, and the degree to which training extends to novel tasks of attention-switching.


METHODS
Adults with ADHD (n = 16) and adults without ADHD (n = 18) were divided into training and non-training groups. Training groups performed six blocks of four different attention-switching tasks, while non-training groups completed non-switching, "filler" tasks. Lastly, the four groups were tested on two novel attention-switching tasks.


RESULTS
Adults with ADHD showed impaired attention-switching, relative to non-ADHD adults, but training significantly improved attention-switching in both ADHD and non-ADHD training groups. Finally, training effects transferred to new tasks of attention-switching.


CONCLUSIONS
Adults with ADHD show attention-switching impairments, but deficits may be ameliorated with short-term, targeted training. Research has implications for cognitive training in ADHD.
White
Holly A
HA
Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, TN 31852, USA. hawhite@memphis.edu
Shah
Priti
P
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome