Sustained auditory attention in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: the effects of medication

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To compare the auditory attention ability in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) before and after the use of psychostimulant medication.

Methods

Eight male children with ADHD participated in the study, between eight and ten years old. All participants used psychostimulant drugs. To assess auditory behavior, the Scale of Auditory Behaviors (SAB) and SNAP-IV questionnaires were applied to identify possible symptoms of inattention and/or impulsivity. To assess auditory attention ability, the Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT) was applied before and after the use of the psychostimulant medication. In this test, the errors of inattention, impulsiveness and decreased vigilance were analyzed. For data analysis, the Wilcoxon and Spearman correlation tests were used.

Results

The SAB questionnaire showed changes in most children, who also showed signs of inattention and/or impulsivity in the SNAP-IV questionnaire. In the SAAAT, a difference was observed in the item inattention (p=0.017) and in total score of errors before and after medication (p=0.025).

Conclusion

There was an improvement in the test performance assessing the auditory attention ability after the use of psychostimulant medication, with emphasis on the item inattention.

Keywords:
Attention; Auditory perception; Hearing tests; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Child