Comparing Attentional Networks in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and the inattentive and combined subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Dev Neuropsychol. 2011;36(5):566-77. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2010.549978.

Abstract

The Attention Network Test (ANT) was used to examine alerting, orienting, and executive control in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) versus attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were 113 children aged 7 to 10 years (31 ADHD-Combined, 16 ADHD-Primarily Inattentive, 28 FASD, 38 controls). Incongruent flanker trials triggered slower responses in both the ADHD-Combined and the FASD groups. Abnormal conflict scores in these same two groups provided additional evidence for the presence of executive function deficits. The ADHD-Primarily Inattentive group was indistinguishable from the controls on all three ANT indices, which highlights the possibility that this group constitutes a pathologically distinct entity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arousal / physiology
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Executive Function / physiology
  • Female
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Orientation / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Reaction Time / physiology