Attention and memory functioning in adult person with the appearance of hiperactivity disorders

Dorota Kalka , Monika Pawłowska

Abstract

Until recently, hyperactivity disorders have been associated mainly with a growth period. It is more often stressed, however, that many persons do not grow out of ADHD but become adults with persistent disorders. This research aimed at answering the question of the differences in the attention and memory functioning in adults with hyperactivity symptoms in comparison to persons without ADHD symptoms. Two groups of adults took part in the research: a group with ADHD symptoms and no other diagnosed disorders (N=34) and a control group without hyperactivity symptoms or other disorders (N=32). We used: a behaviour questionnaire – an experimental version, the Attention and Perceptiveness Test, the Trail Making Test A&B, the Digit Span and Digit Symbol WAIS-R subtests (Polish standardization), the d2 Test of Attention, and the Benton Visual Retention Test. The results of the analysis showed a lower ability in perceptive field search and a lower ability to focus attention, a worse functioning of working memory and deficits in psychomotor speed in the group with ADHD symptoms in comparison to the control group. There was no difference between the groups, however, regarding the ability to switch to a new criterion for response. It was revealed, that persons with an ADHD function were worse in regard to visual and auditory working memory in comparison to those persons without ADHD symptoms. A reduced ability to focus attention was shown, though these difficulties were visible mainly in the progress speed and not in performance efficacy. The assumptions about difficulties in switching to a new response criterion among persons with hyperactivity disorder symptoms were not confirmed.