Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compromises cognitive abilities. Executive functioning is one of the most affected dimensions, particularly working memory. We aimed to assess the impact of ADHD specifically on working memory. Methods: Using selected sub-tests of the Portuguese version of Psycholinguistic Assessments of Language Processing in Aphasia (PALPA), we compared the performance of 37 children with ADHD to 67 children from the control group. Results: Children with ADHD showed statistically significant difficulties in working memory tasks compared to children without this diagnosis on nonword repetition tasks of one (p=0.004), two (p=0.014), and three syllables (p=0.003), as well as digit production (p=0.000), matching span (p=0.004) and pointing span for nounverb sequences (p=0.001). The results indicate differences between education levels within the ADHD group, with first and second graders showing poorer performance on digit production (p=0.001) and matching span (p=0.000), as well as on pointing span for noun-verb sequences (p=0.006). Discussion: The results confirmed the presence of working memory deficits in children with ADHD, as assessed with selected sub-tests of the Portuguese version of PAL-PA, which revealed good potential for identification of specific deficits in children with this disorder.Keywords: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child; Language Tests; Learning Disorders; Memory, Short-Term; Neuropsychological Tests Introdução: A perturbação de hiperatividade com défice de atenção compromete as competências cognitivas. O funcionamento executivo constitui uma das dimensões mais afetadas, particularmente a memória de trabalho. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o impacto da perturbação de hiperatividade com défice de atenção especificamente no domínio da memória de trabalho. Métodos: Através de subtestes selecionados das provas de avaliação da linguagem e da afasia em português, comparou-se o desempenho de 37 crianças com perturbação de hiperatividade com défice de atenção com o de 67 crianças do grupo de controlo. Resultados: De acordo com os resultados obtidos, crianças com perturbação de hiperatividade com défice de atenção apresentam dificuldades significativamente maiores em tarefas de memória de trabalho, comparativamente às crianças sem este diagnóstico nos subtestes de repetição de pseudopalavras de uma (p = 0,004), duas (p = 0,014) e três sílabas (p = 0,003), bem como na amplitude de repetição (p = 0,000), amplitude de emparelhamento (p = 0,004) e amplitude de memória de sequências substantivo-verbo (p = 0,001). Os resultados apontam para diferenças entre os níveis de escolaridade dentro do grupo perturbação de hiperatividade com défice de atenção, em que os alunos do primeiro e segundo ano apresentaram um pior desempenho na amplitude de repetição (p = 0,001) e amplitude de emparelhamento (p = 0,000), bem como na amplitude de memória de sequências substantivo-verbo (p = 0,006). Discussão: Os resultados confirmaram a presença de défi...

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IntroductionDissociative Amnesia remains an enigmatic and controversial entity. It is classically described as responsible for autobiographic amnesia associated with a traumatic event.ObjectivesTo report a clinical case and review the literature.MethodsWe collected data from the patient’s clinical file with his informed consent. We conducted a non-systematic review of the literature.ResultsA 46-years-old patient presents to the emergency department for sudden global retrograde amnesia, with multiple domain amnestic syndrome (impairing verbal and visual memory, processing speed, mental flexibility, calculus, executive functions and language). He was initially admitted for a suspected infectious meningoencephalitis, which was not confirmed. Later an autoimmune encephalitis was pursued. Brain MRI showed a nonspecific left temporal and hipocampal hyperintensity and the EEG a mild left temporal dysfunction. The autoimmune encephalitis panel was negative and the formal diagnostic criteria were not met. The neurologic examination at discharge presented only with autobiographical and semantic amnesia. On the mental state examination, he presented with depressive symptoms reactive to the situation. There was no evident traumatic event apart from a promotion received the day before the amnesia started. He was prescribed escitalopram 10 mg/day. The amnesia was maintained at 9 months follow-up.ConclusionsOur case report illustrates a case of amnesia without evident organic or psychogenic cause, assumed as a dissociative amnesia. Further studies are necessary to clarify the pathophysiology of this condition and develop specific treatments.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

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