Fabiola Panvino, Valerio Zaccaria, Michela Pica, Nunzia Amitrano, Francesco Pisani, Carlo Di Brina
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background/objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders (AD) are prevalent in childhood and adolescence, often presenting with overlapping symptoms. This study aimed to assess cognitive and executive functions-specifically attention, inhibition, and working memory-in children with ADHD, AD, and comorbid ADHD + AD. It also sought to identify potential neuropsychological markers that differentiate ADHD from AD and ADHD + AD comorbidity.
Methods: Cognitive and executive functions were assessed in a sample of 48 school-age children and adolescents (aged 8-15 years) using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) and the NEPSY-II battery. The MASC 2 self-report questionnaire was also used to assess anxiety symptoms. The participants were divided into three groups based on clinical diagnoses: ADHD, AD, and ADHD + AD.
Results: No significant group differences emerged in cognitive performance, attention, or working memory. Significant differences emerged in inhibition performance, with children in the AD group demonstrating more efficient inhibition compared to both the ADHD and ADHD + AD groups. Children with ADHD showed longer response times. Better performance on inhibition tasks was associated with more severe anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that anxiety may modulate specific aspects of executive functioning during tasks requiring attentional and inhibitory control. However, the complex interaction between ADHD and anxiety requires further investigation. This study underscores the importance of distinguishing ADHD from AD based on cognitive and executive profiles, particularly inhibition. In this context, it supports the routine use of the NEPSY-II in combination with the MASC 2 questionnaire to facilitate differential diagnosis in clinical practice.
期刊介绍：
Children is an international, open access journal dedicated to a streamlined, yet scientifically rigorous, dissemination of peer-reviewed science related to childhood health and disease in developed and developing countries.
The publication focuses on sharing clinical, epidemiological and translational science relevant to children’s health. Moreover, the primary goals of the publication are to highlight under‑represented pediatric disciplines, to emphasize interdisciplinary research and to disseminate advances in knowledge in global child health. In addition to original research, the journal publishes expert editorials and commentaries, clinical case reports, and insightful communications reflecting the latest developments in pediatric medicine. By publishing meritorious articles as soon as the editorial review process is completed, rather than at predefined intervals, Children also permits rapid open access sharing of new information, allowing us to reach the broadest audience in the most expedient fashion.
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