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Frontal lobe disinhibition in attention deficit disorder

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Abstract

Comparison of the neuropsychological performances of ADD children and matched controls revealed a relatively circumscribed pattern of deficits on tests presumed to measure frontal lobe inhibitory control. Age trends were noted on several variables, suggesting a possible maturational lag in frontal lobe functioning among the ADD subjects. Physician ratings of medication response and fit with DSM-III criteria for ADD, along with Parent and Teacher Conners' ratings, were also related to the ADD children's neuropsychological test scores. The results are discussed in terms of the potential overlap of hyperactivity with disorders of disinhibition such as conduct disorder.

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Chelune, G.J., Ferguson, W., Koon, R. et al. Frontal lobe disinhibition in attention deficit disorder. Child Psych Hum Dev 16, 221–234 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00706479

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