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Abnormal processing of irrelevant information in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
C S Carter1, P Krener, M Chaderjian
1University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213-2593, USA.
Psychiatry Research
|January 31, 1995
Summary
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit significant attentional deficits, showing increased disruption from irrelevant information during cognitive tasks. This suggests impaired attentional control in ADHD children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity.
- Selective attention deficits are hypothesized to underlie some cognitive impairments in ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate selective attention deficits in children with ADHD using the Stroop Color-Naming Task.
- To evaluate interference and facilitation components of attention in ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Administered a trial-by-trial Stroop Color-Naming Task to children aged 9-12 with ADHD (n=19) and age-matched controls (n=19).
- Assessed performance on interference (response to incongruent stimuli) and facilitation (response to congruent stimuli).
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD demonstrated increased Stroop interference compared to controls.
- ADHD group showed normal facilitation, indicating preserved ability to benefit from congruent stimuli.
- Both groups failed to employ an attentional strategy to reduce interference in a modified task version.
Conclusions:
- Children with ADHD exhibit heightened susceptibility to interference from irrelevant information, likely due to diminished attentional control.
- Findings suggest specific information-processing deficits in ADHD, with implications for understanding neurobiological underpinnings.