title: Working memory training in college students with ADHD or LD.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of working memory (WM) training in college students with ADHD or learning disabilities (LD).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 62 students (21 males, 41 females) were randomized to a 5-week intensive WM training program or a wait-list control group. Participants were evaluated before treatment, 3 weeks after completion, and at 2-month follow-up. The criterion measures were standardized tests of auditory-verbal and visual-spatial WM. Near transfer measures included other cognitive tasks; far transfer measures included academic tasks and behavioral rating scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Intent-to-treat analysis revealed that participants receiving WM training showed significantly greater improvements on the criterion WM measures and self-reported fewer ADHD symptoms and cognitive failures. The follow-up assessment indicated that gains in WM were maintained, as were improvements in cognitive failures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Computerized WM training is a feasible and possibly viable approach for enhancing WM in college students with ADHD or LD.
authors.affiliation: 1Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Rachel J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Gropper
authors.forename: Howell
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gotlieb
authors.forename: Reena
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kronitz
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tannock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: ADD/ADHD; academic performance; college students; learning disabilities; working memory