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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Inhibitory deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are independent of basic processing efficiency and IQ
P Bitsakou1, L Psychogiou, M Thompson
1Institute for Disorder on Impulse and Attention, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Background:
A substantial proportion of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show deficits on inhibitory control tests. However, questions remain about (i) the extent of these deficits across different inhibitory domains, (ii) their relationship to deficits in non-executive processes and (iii) whether they extend into adolescence.
Methods:
Seventy-seven children and adolescents with ADHD and 50 non-ADHD controls completed three inhibitory tasks, a simple two choice RT task (2CR) and an IQ assessment.
Results:
ADHD was moderately associated with deficits on all tasks (effect sizes d=0.5-0.9). Deficits were equally marked in childhood and adolescence. Inhibitory deficits were not associated with IQ and, although reduced substantially, remained significant after performance on a simple reaction time task was controlled for statistically.
Discussion:
In highlighting the significant, but limited, role of inhibitory deficits in ADHD, these results are consistent with recent accounts that emphasize the neuropsychological heterogeneity of this condition.
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