Nos dias atuais, uma atenção que não seja seletiva, focal, sustentada e voluntária é tratada como desatenção. Neste contexto, a hipercinesia do corpo é entendida, muitas vezes, como um sintoma passível de medicalização. Mas existe uma relação direta entre a quietude do corpo e o estar atento do sujeito? Na busca por respostas para este e outros questionamentos, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo onde se observou a dinâmica de um grupo de crianças no ambiente escolar, nos seus dois primeiros anos do Ensino Fundamental de nove anos. O material empírico compôs-se de registros realizados durante os anos de 2006 e 2007, através de caderno de campo, fotografias, filmagens, entrevistas semi-estruturadas com pais, educadores e crianças, bem como análise de documentos escolares, a fim de poder relacionar dinâmica corporal e o funcionamento da atenção de um grupo de crianças em diferentes atividades. A análise dos dados foi realizada apoiada na perspectiva teóricometodológica proposta pela Rede de Significações - RedSig (2004) e a mulher rendeira, suas almofadas, alfinetes, linhas e bilros foram as metáforas usadas para descrever o percurso metodológico. Assim sendo, foi na relação entre “pesquisadora-rendeira” e seus bilros (crianças, educadoras, pais e contextos) que esta pesquisa aconteceu, ou numa outra escrita, se fizeram os fios para a tecitura desta renda de bilros. Buscou-se assim, com os fios encontrados, tecer por meio destes corpos/ sujeitos e que agora se fazem bilro, uma renda de relações que possibilitasse um outro olhar sobre o corpo e sua motricidade no estar atento da criança em diferentes atividades. Esta pesquisa aponta para o fato de que “atenção” é uma palavra com muitos significados e também que o que se entende por atenção, pode ser diferente do que se percebe no sujeito atento. E propõe também a existência de duas manifestações involuntárias na dinâmica do corpo, que podem sugerir um estar atento à tarefa ou situação, são elas: o tônus atencional e as sincinesias. Lembramos, no entanto, que estas (in)conclusões surgiram à partir da convivência com muitos sujeitos, em diferentes contextos. E também, que o que se fez aqui não foi uma correlação direta entre símbolo e significado, pois acreditamos que o linguajar do corpo se faz na relação com o outro. / Nowadays, an attention which is not selective, focal, sustained and voluntary is deemed as inattention. In this context the body hyperkinesis is understood, many times, as a symptom susceptible to medicalization. Is there a direct connection between the body quietude and the ‘be attentive’ state of the subject? In search for answers for this and other questions, a field survey was done where the corporal dynamics of a group of children in the school environment was observed in the first two years out of nine of the Elementary School. The empirical material is constituted of registrations done during the years of 2006 and 2007, through a field registration book, photos, video recordings, a semi-structured interview with parents, educators and children, as well as school documents analysis with the intention to be able to relate the corporal dynamics and the attention functioning of a group of children in different activities. The data analysis was done supported in the theory-methodology perspective proposed by the Rede de Significações – RedSig (2004) and the lacemaker, her cushions, pins, threads and bobbin laces were the metaphors used to describe the methodological route. Therefore, it was in the relation between “surveyor-lacemaker” and her bobbin laces (children, educators, parents and contexts) that this survey took place, or in other words, the threads were made for the braiding of this bobbin lace. The endeavour was to, with the threads found, braid through these bodies/subjects that now are turned into bobbin laces, a lace of relations that make possible a new view about the body and its motricity in the being attentive of a child in different activities. The survey indicated the fact that “attention” is a word with many meanings and also what is understood as attention may be different from what is perceived in the ‘be attentive’ state of the subject. It also proposes the existence of two involuntary manifestations in the body dynamics, that might suggest a state of being attentive to the task or situation which are: the attentional tonus and the synkinesis. Reminding although that these (in)conclusiveness came from the closeness with many subjects in different contexts. Also, what was done here was not a direct correlation between symbol and meaning, because we believe the body language is done in relation with the other.

It is increasingly recognised that the broadly defined behavioural phenotype of attention deficit – hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous condition and that this heterogeneity is seen across all levels of analysis from the genetic and environmental causes to the associated neuropsychological deficits, the clinical presentation and response to treatment. This work investigated whether the more restrictive and clinically homogeneous hyperkinetic disorder (HKD) phenotype is associated with reduced neuropsychological heterogeneity compared with the broader ADHD phenotype. Using a well known, broad based battery of neuropsychological tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and a computerised Go/NoGo task in a large well described group of boys with rigorously diagnosed HKD who were stimulant medication naïve at baseline, it was demonstrated that the neuropsychological heterogeneity in the HKD boys was very similar to that seen previously in children with ADHD. Interestingly, and contrary to popular opinion, the strongest associations were with more simple recognition memory tasks with a low executive demand. Although there were significant associations between HKD and deficits on a range of tasks with high executive demands these were less strong. Could this neuropsychological heterogeneity be a function of different developmental issues or comorbidity? With respect to development there was evidence that boys with HKD lagged behind the healthy boys with respect to the development of their neuropsychological performance. However the pattern of development was similar with the performance of the HKD boys paralleling that of the healthy boys, suggesting that the neuropsychological heterogeneity seen in HKD is not accounted for by developmental issues. With respect to the relationship between neuropsychological functioning and comorbidity, the impact of comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conductdisorder (CD), it was found that all three clinical groups (pure HKD, HKD + ODD and HKD + CD) demonstrated deficits on several tasks compared with the healthy boys. Compared with healthy boys each of the three clinical groups was associated with at least one unique neuropsychological deficit. This suggests that comorbidity between HKD and both ODD and CD may contribute to the neuropsychological heterogeneity in the HKD boys. Is there an association between clinical and neuropsychological responses to the treatment of HKD with the stimulant drug methylphenidate (MPH)? Detailed analyses were conducted to investigate heterogeneity of clinical and neuropsychological response in these boys to MPH. As predicted in previous studies there is evidence for clinical heterogeneity in response with between 68 and 78% of boys with HKD responding to MPH treatment at either one or both of the doses. The precise proportion responding was dependent on the scale and definition of response used. Clinical response was not predicted by age but was predicted to a degree by severity of symptoms at baseline and it was generally true that better response was predicted by lower (better) scores at baseline. Baseline performance on a component reflecting recognition memory performance at baseline predicted clinical response to the lower (0.3 mg/kg/dose), but not the higher (0.6, mg/kg/dose) dose of MPH with poorer baseline neuropsychological performance predicting a better clinical response. Whilst there was improvement on some neuropsychological measures following administration of MPH there was little association between clinical and neuropsychological responses to medication. Clinical response was only associated with neuropsychological response on a single measure from a single task (Go/NoGo Block 2 Errors to Distractors), a task that did not itself discriminate between the HKD boys and healthy Controls at baseline.

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology)) --University of Limpopo, 2004. / The purpose of this study was to investigate whether poor motor skills are associated with ADHD. Afrikaans speaking primary school children were screened for ADHD with the Disruptive Behaviour Disorder scale (DBD). They were matched for gender and age with a normal group without ADHD symptoms. The children (31 ADHD and 31 Controls) were assessed for fine motor skills on three instruments: the Grooved pegboard, Maze co­ ordination and Finger tapping tests. To some degree all three tests of fine motor skills revealed poorer performances in the ADHD group than in the normal group. The finger­ tapping test showed the least discrimination between the groups. The girls performed significantly poorer on all tests. There were statistically significant effects of hand dominance. Results show that tests for fine motor skills discriminate between children with ADHD and normal comparisons. These results appear to support the hypothesis that poor motor skills are associated with ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent and impairing childhood disorders (5%; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), yet it is often studied in isolation. Such an approach is at odds with the clinical reality, where ADHD has a high comorbidity with oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, and depression (Jensen, Martin, & Cantwell, 1997). Based on the possible presentations of ADHD with both externalizing and internalizing symptoms, there may be differences in associated characteristics, areas of impairment, and resulting assessment interventions. Therefore, the present study investigated how ADHD comorbidities manifested in a population of 233 elementary age children and how these profiles varied in already established characteristics (i.e., traits, social behaviors) and areas of deficit for children with ADHD (i.e., social functioning, academics, narrative comprehension). Characteristics and outcomes were examined using rating scales, behavior observations, laboratory tasks, and grades. Based on latent profile analyses, different patterns of comorbidity were identified using both parent and teacher ratings of ADHD. Based on parent and teacher report, those with high ADHD/ODD symptoms had more negative characteristics and outcomes. Network analyses corroborated these results, showing that internalizing symptoms were less relevant for associated characteristics and outcomes compared to ADHD and ODD symptoms. Overall, these results suggest that ADHD comorbidities may be primarily driven by ADHD and ODD symptoms, with this profile displaying more severe negative characteristics and outcomes.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Diagnosis of ADHD rose 42% from 2003–2004 to 2011–2012. In 2011, 3.5 million children were treated with drugs. Optimizing therapy can take a year, and may not be completely effective. A clinical trial is currently being conducted of a device/drug combination using the computer game Minecraft, to determine how certain activities affect executive function, working memory, and restraint in patients diagnosed with ADHD. The human subjects’ responses are being modeled using artificial neural networks (ANNs), an artificial intelligence method that can be utilized to interpret highly complex data. We propose using ANNs to optimize drug and Minecraft therapy for individual patients based on the initial NICHQ Vanderbilt assessment scores. We are applying ANNs in the development of computational models for executive function deficiencies in ADHD. These models will then be used to develop a therapeutic video game as a drug/device combination with stimulants for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in Fragile X Syndrome. As a first step towards the design of virtual subjects with executive function deficits, computational models of the core executive functions working memory and fluid intelligence were constructed. These models were combined to create healthy control and executive function-deficient virtual subjects, who performed a Time Management task simulation that required the use of their executive functions to complete. The preliminary working memory model utilized a convolutional neural network to identify handwritten digits from the MNIST dataset, and the fluid intelligence model utilized a basic recurrent neural network to produce sequences of integers in the range 1-9 that can be multiplied together to produce the number 12. A simplified Impulsivity function was also included in the virtual subject as a first step towards the future inclusion of the core executive function inhibition.

Multisensory environments facilitate behavioral functioning in humans. The redundant signal effect (RSE) refers to the observation that individuals respond more quickly to stimuli when information is presented as multisensory, redundant stimuli rather than as a single stimulus presented to either modality alone. Our studies show that the disinhibiting effects of alcohol are attenuated when stop signals are multisensory versus unisensory. The present study expanded on this research to test the degree to which multisensory stop signals could also attenuate the disinhibiting effects of alcohol in those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a clinical population characterized by poor impulse control. The study compared young adults with ADHD with healthy controls and examined the acute impairing effect of alcohol on response inhibition to stop signals that were presented as a unisensory stimulus or a multisensory stimulus. For controls, results showed alcohol impaired response inhibition to unisensory stop signals but not to multisensory stop signals. Response inhibition of those with ADHD was impaired by alcohol regardless of whether stop signals were unisensory or multisensory. The failure of multisensory stimuli to attenuate alcohol impairment in those with ADHD highlights a specific vulnerability that could account for heightened sensitivity to the disruptive effects of alcohol.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a commonly diagnosed mental disorder with an estimated global prevalence of 5.29% that exhibit inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, many of which can negatively impact an individual’s social, academic, occupational and everyday-life. Studies based on the Delay Aversion Hypothesis have shown that video-games effectively contribute to the neutralization of some of the inattentive symptoms of ADHD, and that games could act as a possible treatment option for individuals with ADHD. Attempts to use video games as a treatment option has previously been tried, however to a limited extent. This study approaches the topic from the game design perspective, and discusses which game mechanics, activities and stimuli contribute to the possible neutralization of the inattentive symptoms of ADHD, in order to lay a foundation for future research within the area. The study found that the participants with ADHD acted in ways that contradicted some of the described symptoms of ADHD in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) when playing video games, which could be attributed to the amount of stimuli available in video games. Additionally, the participants’ level of motivation when playing video games seemed to be strongly correlated to the principles of andragogy, which could indicate that children with ADHD might benefit from an educational system that combines and incorporates principles from both andragogy and pedagogy.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most commonly diagnosed childhood neurobehavioral disorder, is increasing annually at about 5% per year. ADHD has been diagnosed in approximately 6.4 billion children in the U.S., and it is estimated that 66% of those afflicted have 1 or more comorbid conditions. Children with ADHD are often from socioeconomically challenged households. What is unclear from the literature is the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), defined as education, employment, and income and the reporting of comorbidities with ADHD. The problem is that children with ADHD from low SES households may be reporting a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions, which can lead to misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and greater financial burden for families and the public health system. The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive, nonexperimental study was to examine the relationship between household SES and the reporting of a comorbidity (anxiety, depression, behavioral issues) in children with ADHD by analyzing secondary data from the National Survey of Children's Health (N = 99,677). Ecological systems theory guided this study which is based on the premise that individuals encounter many environments in their lives and these environments can impact health and well-being. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that parental education level, employment, and household income were significantly associated with the reporting of comorbidities for children with ADHD. This research may lead to positive social change by allowing resources to be allocated to low SES households of children with ADHD to decrease the number of children developing comorbid conditions.

Orientador: Regina de Cássia Rondina / Banca: Raul Aragão Martins / Banca: Associada Rita Melissa Lepre / Resumo: O Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) é um tema atual que pode interferir no ambiente escolar, principalmente pelos efeitos que pode ocasionar. Quando suas características não são devidamente conhecidas e identificadas, a criança pode sofrer prejuízos, afetando seu desempenho cognitivo, emocional e social, na escola, na família e com seus pares. As transformações do mundo moderno expõem as crianças a uma grande variedade de estímulos. E ao se depararem com o ambiente escolar, muitos comportamentos ou características infantis podem ser confundidos com o real diagnóstico de TDAH. O grande aumento de diagnósticos desse transtorno em crianças em idade escolar resultou no aumento considerável de medicalização nos últimos anos. Nessa perspectiva de mudanças socioculturais, destaca-se a importância da família na formação afetiva e moral da criança, pois a estrutura familiar proporciona melhorias no desenvolvimento psicológico, como segurança, controle emocional e autoestima. O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer as concepções dos docentes de uma escola da Rede Municipal de Educação em São José do Rio Preto-SP sobre as características comportamentais de crianças que indicam a presença do transtorno e sobre a medicalização em alunos na instituição. Foi realizado um levantamento do número de diagnósticos de TDAH e o registro de medicalização utilizada pelas crianças em idade escolar na instituição. Como fundamento para a pesquisa, foi realizado um levantamento... / Abstract: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a current topic that can interfere with the school environment, mainly due to its effects. When their characteristics are not properly known and identified, the child can suffer damages, affecting their cognitive, emotional and social performance, at school, in the family and with their peers. The transformations of the modern world expose children to a wide variety of stimuli. And when faced with the school environment, many behaviors or characteristics of children may be confused with the actual diagnosis of ADHD. The large increase in diagnoses of this disorder in school-aged children results in a considerable increase in medicalization recently. In this perspective of sociocultural changes, the importance of the family in the affective and moral formation of the child stands out, since the family structure provides improvements in the psychological development, as security, emotional control and self-esteem. The objective of this work was to know the conceptions of the teachers of a school of the Municipal Education Network in São José do Rio Preto-SP on behavioral characteristics of children that indicate the presence of the disorder and on the medicalization in students in the institution. A survey was made of the number of ADHD diagnoses and the medical record used by school-age children at the institution. As a basis for this research, a bibliographic survey of authors in the areas of education and psychology was ... / Mestre

Current gaps in knowledge about twice-exceptional youth relative to those with only one exceptionality (e.g., high ability or ADHD) include how twice-exceptional students perceive their friendships (Foley Nicpon et al., 2010). Some researchers have found friendship qualities to be less positive for youth with ADHD (Humphrey et al., 2007), yet others have found friendships to be rated more positively by gifted youth (Field et al., 1998). The current investigation sought to determine how friendships are perceived by twice-exceptional youth compared to peers with ADHD or high ability or achievement, and those with average ability or achievement and no diagnosis. Participants included 65 youth (35 boys, 33 girls) in middle school. Participants completed the Friendship Qualities Scale (Bukowski et al., 1994), in addition to a demographic questionnaire completed by parents. A repeated-measures ANOVA design was utilized to compare friendship quality ratings based on ability or achievement and ADHD diagnosis, as well as gender. Participants with ADHD, regardless of ability or achievement, reported significantly less companionship, help, and security with a best friend than those without a diagnosis. Boys were observed to report significantly less closeness with a best friend than girls. Implications of the current findings for counseling psychologists in the areas of practice and theory include considerations of how youth are socialized based on societal beliefs about gender and disability. Additionally, recommendations for treatment considerations, particularly for twice-exceptional youth, may include strengths-based interventions to support areas of strength to help accommodate difficulties.