The effect of cognitive rehabilitation on executive functions (decision-making, flexibility, emotion control) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental neurological disorder that is described by three main characteristics: Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder and Impulsivity. The symptoms often create impairments in one or more major areas of the person’s life, especially in those cognitive areas that require levels of attention and concentration ، decision making and flexibility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cognitive rehabilitation on executive functions (decision making, flexibility, emotion control) in children with ADHD.

The present study is a semi experimental study, designed with pre-test / post-test clinical trial and a control group. It was diagnosed and matched with the Raven Intelligence Test using the CSI-4 Diagnostic Test and selected by purposive sampling. Sample was randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. Children in the Experimental group were given 10 one hourly sessions of rehabilitation program each week .Response inhibition was measured using Wisconsin and Planned with Bariff test.

Pre and Post test scores were significantly different in measures of executive functions (both decision making, flexibility, emotion control) in children with ADHD (P <0/001).

Training on cognitive rehabilitation appears to be effective in improving the executive functions (decision making, flexibility, emotional) of children with ADHD and can be offered as an appropriate replacement against the effects of psycho stimulants medications.