Executive function and working memory in attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and healthy children

Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment abnormality. Inattentive behavior is considered a core and pervasive feature of ADHD. This study was done to compare the executive function and working memory in attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and healthy children. This case – control study was done on 50 children with ADHD as cases and 40 healthy children as controls. The disorder was diagnosed by applying Kanerz teacher test and confirmed by a psychiatrist. Stroop test، Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)، Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and n-back test were used to assess the executive function and working memory. There was a significant difference between case and control groups in regard to executive function and working memory (P<0. 05). Error omission was 16. 98±8. 157 and 7. 3±3. 824 in cases and controls، respectively (P<0. 05). Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder reduces executive function and working memory in children.