Cognitive Remediation in ADHD Children : Comparison Between Three Therapeutic Strategies : Cognitive Remediation With a Virtual Classroom Software and Methylphenidate and Supportive Psychotherapy

Brief Summary

The Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD) is one of the most frequently found disorder in children. It is characterized by a triad of symptoms involving attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity and having an impact on the functioning of the subject especially in terms of learning. Currently, main interventions to treat ADHD in children are stimulant medication or supportive psychotherapy. Data from recent studies highlight the use of stimulant drugs (amphetamine derivatives such as methylphenidate) to treat the core symptoms of ADHD children. These drugs are generally effective but their nature (psychostimulants) and adverse effects they cause (appetite suppression, sleep disturbances, headaches, motor tics, abdominal pain, irritability, nausea and fatigue) encourage the development of new therapeutic approaches. The use of supportive psychotherapy alone would have limited effect on symptoms of children with ADHD. Our aim is to test the use a cognitive remediation program using a virtual classroom in children suffering from ADHD.