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Teruel MA, Sanchis J, Ruiz-Robledillo N, Albaladejo-Blázquez N, Ferrer-Cascales R, Trujillo J. Measuring attention of ADHD patients by means of a computer game featuring biometrical data gathering. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26555. [PMID: 38434359 PMCID: PMC10907648 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed mainly in children, marked by inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. The symptoms are highly variable, such as different ages of onset and potential comorbidities, contributing to frequent misdiagnoses. Professionals note a gap in modern diagnostic tools, making accurate identification challenging. To address this, recent studies recommend gamification for better ADHD diagnosis and treatment, though further research is essential to confirm its efficacy. This work aims to create a serious game, namely "Attention Slackline", to assess attention levels. The game, designed with expert input, requires players to concentrate on a specific point to recognize specific patterns while managing distractions. A controlled experiment tested its precision, and results were compared with established attention tests by a correlation analysis. Statistical analysis confirmed the game's validity, especially in tracking attention through correct responses and errors. Preliminary evidence suggests that "Attention Slackline" may serve as a credible instrument for the assessment of attentional capacities in individuals with ADHD, given that its outcomes have been empirically shown to correlate with those derived from a well-established attention assessment methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Teruel
- Lucentia Research Group, University of Alicante, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Carretera San Vicente Del Raspeig S/n, 03690, San Vicente Del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Javier Sanchis
- Lucentia Research Group, University of Alicante, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Carretera San Vicente Del Raspeig S/n, 03690, San Vicente Del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
- XSB Disseny I Multimedia, S.L., Carrer Del Mercat, 21, 03430, Onil, Alicante, Spain
| | - Nicolás Ruiz-Robledillo
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Alicante, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Carretera San Vicente Del Raspeig S/n, 03690, San Vicente Del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Natalia Albaladejo-Blázquez
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Alicante, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Carretera San Vicente Del Raspeig S/n, 03690, San Vicente Del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Rosario Ferrer-Cascales
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Alicante, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Carretera San Vicente Del Raspeig S/n, 03690, San Vicente Del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Trujillo
- Lucentia Research Group, University of Alicante, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Carretera San Vicente Del Raspeig S/n, 03690, San Vicente Del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
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Nissim M, Shfir O, Ratzon NZ. Simulator Driving Abilities, Executive Functions, and Adaptive Behavior Among Adolescents With Complex Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Atten Disord 2024; 28:350-363. [PMID: 38084062 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231214975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examines the driving skills, executive functions, and adaptive behavior of adolescents diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined with emotional difficulties and/or learning disabilities (complex ADHD), compared to adolescents without ADHD. METHOD A cross-sectional study including 30 adolescents with complex ADHD and 33 adolescents without ADHD aged 15 to 18 years. Driving skills on a simulator, executive functions, and adaptive behavior were evaluated. RESULTS Adolescents without ADHD demonstrated significantly higher total scores on the driving simulator, indicating better driving performance compared to adolescents with complex ADHD. In the complex ADHD group, after controlling for different Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale-Self Report scales, driving simulator scores were partially correlated with executive functions. CONCLUSION These findings emphasize the unique needs of adolescents with complex ADHD. Given the significance of driving in today's society, it is crucial to consider the development of intervention programs to support this population's driving skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Nissim
- The David Yellin Academic College of Education, Jerusalem, Israel
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Mendez-Encinas D, Sujar A, Bayona S, Delgado-Gomez D. Attention and impulsivity assessment using virtual reality games. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13689. [PMID: 37608015 PMCID: PMC10444747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of cognitive functions is mainly based on standardized neuropsychological tests, widely used in various fields such as personnel recruitment, education, or health. This paper presents a virtual reality game that allows collecting continuous measurements of both the performance and behaviour of the subject in an immersive, controllable, and naturalistic experience. The application registers variables related to the user's eye movements through the use of virtual reality goggles, as well as variables of the game performance. We study how virtual reality can provide data to help predict scores on the Attention Control Scale Test and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. We design the application and test it with a pilot group. We build a random forest regressor model to predict the attention and impulsivity scales' total score. When evaluating the performance of the model, we obtain a positive correlation with attention (0.434) and with impulsivity (0.382). In addition, our model identified that the most significant variables are the time spent looking at the target or at distractors, the eye movements variability, the number of blinks and the pupil dilation in both attention and impulsivity. Our results are consistent with previous results in the literature showing that it is possible to use data collected in virtual reality to predict the degree of attention and impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Sujar
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Spain.
| | - Sofia Bayona
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Spain
| | - David Delgado-Gomez
- Departamento de Estádistica, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganes, Spain
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Tobajas Y, Alemany-Fornés M, Samarra I, Romero-Giménez J, Tintoré M, Del Pino A, Canela N, Del Bas JM, Ortega-Olivé N, de Lecea C, Escoté X. Interaction of Diamine Oxidase with Psychostimulant Drugs for ADHD Management. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4666. [PMID: 37510782 PMCID: PMC10380856 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Histamine intolerance occurs when there is an imbalance between histamine production and the capacity for histamine degradation. Diamine oxidase (DAO) is the main enzyme for the catabolism of ingested histamine degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and its deficiency has been linked to allergy-like symptoms. Psychostimulant drugs are commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but their interaction with DAO is not well characterized. In this work, we evaluated the effects of psychostimulant drugs (methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine) on in vitro DAO activity and in the human cell line of enterocytes (Caco-2), evaluating DAO expression (mRNA and protein) and DAO activity. Methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine did not repress the in vitro DAO activity. In addition, in Caco-2 cells, lisdexamfetamine promoted a strong upregulation of DAO mRNA levels, whereas methylphenidate tended to induce DAO activity. To sum up, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine treatments do not reduce DAO activity. These findings could be useful for physicians prescribing these two drugs to ADHD patients affected by DAO deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaiza Tobajas
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Nutrition and Health, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | | | - Iris Samarra
- Centre for Omic Sciences (COS), Joint Unit URV-EURECAT, Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Jordi Romero-Giménez
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Nutrition and Health, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | | | - Antoni Del Pino
- Centre for Omic Sciences (COS), Joint Unit URV-EURECAT, Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Núria Canela
- Centre for Omic Sciences (COS), Joint Unit URV-EURECAT, Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS), Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Josep M Del Bas
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Biotechnology Area, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Nàdia Ortega-Olivé
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Nutrition and Health, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | | | - Xavier Escoté
- Eurecat, Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Nutrition and Health, 43204 Reus, Spain
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Ahmed Aboalola N. The effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention on improving executive functions and reducing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young children. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37105569 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2023.2203321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention on improving executive functions and reducing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young children. This study employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental, pretest and post-test and follow up design. 56 children between 5 and 7 years of age(M = 6.9, SD= 1.7) with ADHD or with symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity are being recruited to participate in the mindfulness-based intervention. To determine whether there are any significant differences between the two independent (unrelated) groups on executive functions and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, pre-post-follow up test and multiple comparisons are used. Pretest assessments were conducted for both the control and training groups. Following the pretest, a four-weeks of training commenced for the intervention group only. T-test results for the differences in post- test mean scores between the two groups in EF and in ADHD symptoms showed that the training group outperformed the control group. There were statistical differences in EF and in ADHD symptoms between pre and post measures in favor of post test, and between pre and follow up measures in favor of follow up test, but no statistical differences between post and follow up test. This study demonstrates that it is possible to enhance EF skills using mindfulness-based intervention in which young with ADHD are engaged in a series of group play based activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Ahmed Aboalola
- Special Education Department, College of Education, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
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