Investigating the predictive role of working memory in risky decision-making in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder

Risky decision-making can be considered as one of the main deficits in attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are various factors that lead to decision-making deficit in children with ADHD, including deficit in working memory as a component of executive functions. This study aimed to examine the relationship between working memory and risky decision-making in children with ADHD. In this cross-sectional study, 45 children (19 girls and 26 boys) with ADHD were selected using the non-probability sampling method. Children with comorbid disorders were excluded from the study. The N-Back test and the balloon analogue risk task (BARAT) were used to evaluate working memory and risky decision-making, respectively. The results of Pearson correlation showed that working memory was correlated with risky decision-making (P<0.01). Moreover, the results of step-wise regressions showed the predictive role of working memory in risky decision-making of the participants (P<0.01). Results of this study show that working memory is negatively correlated with risky decision-making. Also, working memory scores can predict risky decision-making in children with ADHD. Therefore, it can be concluded that risk-taking will be reduced by improving working memory.