The effect of ADHD symptoms on performance monitoring in a non-clinical population

Psychiatry Res. 2009 Sep 30;169(2):144-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2008.06.015. Epub 2009 Aug 22.

Abstract

Recent studies suggested deficits in error processing in patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but some inconsistencies are still present. Using the ADHD screening questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, we investigated the association between the amount of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms in a non-clinical population of healthy students (n=56) and the neural correlates of error processing measured with event-related potentials. We found reduced amplitudes of error-positivity (Pe) with increasing symptoms of inattention, but no correlation with error-related negativity. These results suggest that attention deficits reduce the conscious evaluation of an error as reflected by reduced Pe amplitudes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual / physiology*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Self Concept
  • Young Adult