Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
https://trends.org.br/article/doi/10.1590/2237-6089-2019-0075
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Original Article

Does ADHD worsen inhibitory control in preschool children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight?

Lacerda, Bárbara Calil; Martínez, Sophia B.S.; Franz, Adelar Pedro; Moreira-Maia, Carlos Renato; Silveira, Rita C.; Procianoy, Renato S.; Rohde, Luis A.; Wagner, Flávia

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Abstract

Introduction: Deficits in executive functioning, especially in inhibitory control, are present in children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) and in children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objective: To evaluate whether ADHD imposes additional inhibitory control (IC) deficits in preschoolers born VP/VLBW. Methods: 79 VP/VLBW (4 to 7 years) children were assessed for ADHD using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children – Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). IC was measured with Conners’ Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT 2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). Results: No significant differences were found between ADHD (n = 24) and non-ADHD children (n = 55) for any of the measures (p = 0.062 to p = 0.903). Both groups had deficits in most K-CPT 2 scores compared to normative samples, indicating poor IC and inconsistent reaction times. Conclusions: ADHD does not aggravate IC deficits in VP/VLBW children. Either neuropsychological tasks and parent reports of executive functions (EFs) may not be sensitive enough to differentiate VP/VLBW preschoolers with and without ADHD, or these children’s EFs are already so impaired that there is not much room for additional impairments imposed by ADHD

Keywords

Inhibitory control, prematurity, preschool, ADHD.
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Trends Psychiatry Psychother

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