Ad/hd Subtypes as an Indicator for Neurometrics and Therapy: Current State and Further Considerations

The research presented in this chapter reflects some current trends in neuropsychological research on AD/HD children, with the goal of exploring the structure of the mental deficits that shape the clinical picture. The purpose of this research was to ascertain the specific nature of the disturbances of mental function in various sub types of AD/HD, and on that basis to reach some conclusions regarding the differentiation of the neuronal basis. We examined 132 children, 9 to 12 years of age, divided into two groups. The first group, which included children with the combined subtype of AD/HD, consisted of 64 children, 59 boys and 5 girls; the second group, with the inattentive sub-type, consisted of 21 children, 17 boys and 4 girls. There was also a control group, made up of 47 children (40 boys and 7 girls) without AD/HD symptoms. For our research we used the neuropsychological instruments most often applied in AD/HD, so that the results could be compared and discussed. We found different dimensions of functioning which can be used to characterize children with combined-type AD/HD, i.e. with manifest symptoms of inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behavior. De ficits in the inhibition of a motor response after a stop signal, when the response has already been evoked by a stimulus; deficits in the inhibition of a response to a stimulus that should not evoke any reaction (over-reactions); reduced readiness (preparation) for motor response; deficits in maintaining attention; in inhibiting a cognitive response; reduced concentration, deficits in divided attention and working memory; deficits in planning and monitoring motor performance. This list of characteristics suggests that children with combinedtype AD/HD show differentiated deficits in behavior control. Fuller cooperation is necessary between neuropsychologists and psychophysiologists, which will help the latter in understanding the problems of a person with AD/HD, and help the former evaluate the results of new programs of neurotherapy.