The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether computerised working memory training improves cognitive performance, ADHD symptoms, psychosocial functioning and quality of life in adults with ADHD, from psychiatric outpatient clinics (N=100) as well as from a high-security prison facility (N=50).
The primary aim is to evaluate whether 5 weeks of computerised working memory training improves working memory capacity. Secondary aims are to explore whether improvements in working memory capacity will be transferred to improvements in learning abilities and fluid intelligence. Also, far transfer effects on executive functioning, ADHD symptoms, psychosocial functioning and quality of life will be explored. Finally, it will also be assessed to what extent improvements gained from 5 weeks of working memory training will be maintained 3 and 6 months post-study, respectively.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
102
30-40 minutes of working memory training, 5 days a week for 5 weeks
Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, Sweden
Change in a composite measure of working memory capacity
The composite measure of working memory capacity comprises the sum score of: * Digit Span score (forwards/backwards) * Span Board score (forwards/backwards) * Arithmetics score * Spatial Working Memory score
Time frame: Baseline and 7 weeks
Change in a composite measure of working memory capacity
The composite measure of working memory capacity will be assessed in a 6-month follow-up conducted at week 31 post-baseline, equivalent to week 24 post-intervention, to assess retention of any training-related improvements.
Time frame: Baseline and 31 weeks
Change in Digit Span Forwards/Backwards score
Evaluating changes in both Digit Span forwards and backwards scores, as measures of simple verbal working memory capacity.
Time frame: Baseline, 7 and 31 weeks
Change in Span Board Forwards/Backwards score
Evaluating changes in both Span Board forwards and backwards scores as measures of simple visuo-spatial working memory capacity.
Time frame: Baseline, 7 and 31 weeks
Change in Arithmetics score
Evaluating change in Arithmetics score, as a measure of complex verbal working memory capacity as well as of mathematics ability.
Time frame: Baseline, 7 and 31 weeks
Change in Spatial Working Memory score
Evaluating change in Spatial Working Memory score as a measure of complex visuo-spatial working memory capacity.
Time frame: Baseline, 7 and 31 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Change in Qbtest scores
Evaluating changes in Qbtest, a computerised CPT that in addition to measuring inattention and impulsivity also captures motor activity by an IR device during performance of the CPT.
Time frame: Baseline, 7 and 31 weeks
Change in Raven´s Standard Progressive Matrices score
Evaluating change in score of a short version of Raven´s Standard Progressive Matrices, as a measure of fluid intelligence.
Time frame: Baseline, 7 and 31 weeks
Change in Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist
Evaluating changes in ADHD symptoms by self-reported and informant-reported (significant other) versions of ASRS-v1.1, conducted at baseline, post-intervention, at 3-month and 6-month follow-up.
Time frame: Baseline, 7, 19, and 31 weeks
Change in Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS)
Evaluating changes in psychosocial functioning by the self-reported SDS conducted at baseline, post-intervention, at 3-month and 6-month follow-up.
Time frame: Baseline, 7, 19, and 31 weeks
Change in EuroQol- 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire
Evaluating change in health-related quality of life by the self-reported generic QoL questionnaire EQ-5D, conducted at baseline, post-intervention, at 3-month and 6-month follow-up.
Time frame: Baseline, 7, 19, and 31 weeks
Change in Adult ADHD Quality of Life Measure (AAQoL)
Evaluating change in health-related quality of life by the self-reported ADHD specific QoL measure AAQoL, conducted at baseline, post-intervention, at 3-month and 6-month follow-up.
Time frame: Baseline, 7, 19, and 31 weeks
Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self report (MADRS-S)
Evaluating if depressive symptoms during the training period, as measured by the self-reported MADRS-S will influence adherence to and results of the working memory training.
Time frame: Baseline and 7 weeks
Adverse events
All adverse events that occurred during the course of the 5-week intervention will be collected as part of the post-intervention assessments at week 7.
Time frame: Baseline and 7 weeks