Associations between semantic priming and problem behavior in boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Objective To investigate the semantic priming of boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and explore whether the semantic priming deficits was associated with behavioral problems by event-related potential(ERP). Methods Thirty boy with and without ADHD aged from 7 to 13 years were asked to finish the semantic Semantic judgment task.The study took advantage of t-test(independent-samples) to compare the amplitude and latency of the N400 in both groups, as well as behavioral data.Behavioral problems were assessed by the Achenbach child behavior checklist(CBCL), and Pearson correlation analysis were used to explore the relationship between behavioral problems and semantic priming. Results Under the condition of semantic correlation, the hyperactive factor of CBCL in ADHA group was positively correlated with ERP N400 amplitude (r=0.44, P<0.05) and negatively correlated with reaction accuracy (r=-0.48, P<0.05). Under the semantic irrelevant condition, the latency of ERP N400 in ADHA group was positively correlated with hyperactivity factor (r=0.53, P<0.05)and aggression factor of CBCL(r=0.62, P<0.05). The N400 amplitude of the ADHD group was significant higher than that in the control group under semantic related conditions((-11.36±4.77)μV vs (-7.66±5.24)μV, P=0.006), and the latency of the N400 in ADHD was more delay((369.6±44.09)ms vs (341.27±24.54)ms, P=0.004), and the reaction times(RT) was much longer((936.18±135.03)ms vs (857.78±103.45)ms, P=0.014). The latency of the N400 in ADHD was more delay than that in the control group under semantic irrelevant conditions((383.93±29.66)ms vs (362.33±29.66)ms, P=0.012), and accuracies of ADHD group was lower than that of control group(0.43±0.39 vs 0.81±0.23, P<0.01). Conclusion The present result indicates that children with ADHD exhibit a deficit in the semantic priming mechanism, and the deficit is positively correlated with hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Key words: Semantic priming; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Behavior problem; ERP; N400