The Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Symptoms and Executive Functions (Planning and Problem Solving) in Children with Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

several negative consequences. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation on improving executive functions (planning and problem solving) in children with ADHD and symptoms of this disorder (attention deficit, hyperactivity /impulsivity). Materials and Methods: This is a quasi- experimental study. The statistical population of this study was children with ADHD aged 7-12 years who were referred to Armaghane Psychiatric Neurology Clinic, Shiraz, Iran. Thirty individuals were selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into experimental and control groups (15 in each group). The experimental group underwent cognitive rehabilitation. All participants were assessed before and after the intervention using the Snape Scale and the Tower of London Test. Results: Analysis of pre- test and post- test data indicated that the experimental group had improvement in executive functions (planning and problem- solving) and attention deficit, as well as hyperactivity /impulsivity syndrome, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Designing and using cognitive rehabilitation programs for children with ADHD improve executive functions and consequently the symptoms of this disorder.r