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Attention deficit and impulsivity: selecting, shifting, and stopping.
J L Kenemans1, E M Bekker, M Lijffijt
1Department of Psychonomics and Psychopharmacology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.l.kenemans@fss.uu.nl
Summary
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) involves attention and inhibition deficits. Brain activity suggests expectation and attention, not just inhibition, drive impulsive behaviors in AD/HD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is characterized by difficulties in attention and impulse control.
- Methylphenidate is a common medication used to manage AD/HD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neural mechanisms of attention and inhibition in AD/HD.
- To examine the specific effects of methylphenidate on these cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of event-related potential (ERP) studies.
- Analysis of data from stop tasks and cued go/nogo tasks.
- Examination of brain activity related to attention, inhibition, and expectancy.
Main Results:
- Children with AD/HD show deficits in early selective attention filtering.
- Methylphenidate shows specific benefits for stopping but not selective attention.
- Brain activity suggests expectation and attention are key to impulsivity, not solely inhibitory control.
Conclusions:
- AD/HD involves complex interactions between attention, expectation, and inhibitory processes.
- Neural mechanisms underlying impulsivity in AD/HD are multifaceted.
- Methylphenidate's effects may be more nuanced than previously understood.