Latent profile analysis of working memory performance in a sample of children with ADHD.
The current study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to ascertain distinct groups of children with ADHD (N = 701) in terms of performance on working memory (WM) tasks that tapped visuospatial sketchpad, spatial central executive, and verbal central executive functions. It compared the WM performances of these classes with a clinical comparison group (N = 59). The participants' age ranged from 7 to 16 years (586 males, 71 females). The results of the LPA supported three classes. For all three WM tasks, class 1 (N = 196) had more difficulties than classes 2 (N = 394) and 3 (N = 111), and the clinical comparison group. Class 2 had more difficulties than class 3 and the clinical comparison group, and there was no difference between class 3 and the clinical comparison group. Class 1 had lower IQ and academic abilities, and relatively more individuals with depressive disorders. The implications of the findings for understanding ADHD and its treatment are discussed.
School of Health Sciences, Federation University, University Drive, Mt Helen, PO Box 663, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, 3353, rapson.gomez@federation.edu.au.
Rapson
R
Gomez
Rashika Miranjani
RM
Gomez
Jo
J
Winther
Alasdair
A
Vance
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*