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Published on: September 15, 2017
Vigilance and sustained attention in children and adults with ADHD
Lara Tucha1, Oliver Tucha, Susanne Walitza
1School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK.
Objective:
The present article tests the hypothesis of a sustained attention deficit in children and adults suffering from ADHD.
Method:
Vigilance and sustained attention of 52 children with ADHD and 38 adults with ADHD were assessed using a computerized vigilance task. Furthermore, the attentional performance of healthy children (N = 52) and healthy adults (N = 38) was examined.
Results:
Children and adults with ADHD performed significantly less well in the vigilance task than healthy participants (main effect for group). Furthermore, children and adults showed a significant decrease of performance over time (time-on-task effects). However, there was no greater decrement of performance with the passage of time in patient groups than in control groups (group-by-time interaction).
Conclusion:
The present results do not support the hypothesis of a sustained attention deficit in children and adults with ADHD.
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Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Information Processing Approach
High-Level and Low-Level Awareness