Mechanisms of Working Memory in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Schooled Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common developmentaldisorders among children and is characterized by three main symptoms: Attention deficit,hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is associated with cognitive dysfunctions, the most importantof which is a working memory deficit. Given the multiplicity of components and functions ofworking memory on the one hand, and the mixed results of scientific studies on the otherhand, we tried in this study to examine the functional imbalances in working memory, arethey global or differential imbalances? By assessing the performance of working memorycomponents in school children suffering from ADHD, with the aim of identifying the natureof the associations between them. The study involved 25 children, aged between 8 and 12years old. The sample was subjected to four tests (normal and reversed number recall test,Wilson task test and Corsi cube test). In addition to the Attention Deficit/HyperactivityDisorder Diagnostic Questionnaire. The results of the study showed that ADHD affectsworking memory components differentially and selectively, mainly targeting processingroutines and to varying degrees the storage capacity of verbal and visuospatial information.Through this study, we conclude that ADHD differentially and selectively affects thefunctioning of working memory components rather than in a generalized and universalmanner.