Abstract
The accurate detection of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, such as inattentiveness and behavioral disinhibition, is crucial for delivering timely assistance and treatment. ADHD is commonly diagnosed and studied with specialized questionnaires and behavioral tests such as the stop-signal task. However, in cases of late-onset or mild forms of ADHD, behavioral measures often fail to gauge the deficiencies well-highlighted by questionnaires. To improve the sensitivity of behavioral tests, we propose a novel version of the stop-signal task (SST), which integrates mouse cursor tracking. In two studies, we investigated whether introducing mouse movement measures to the stop-signal task improves associations with questionnaire-based measures, as compared to the traditional (keypress-based) version of SST. We also scrutinized the influence of different parameters of stop-signal tasks, such as the method of stop-signal delay setting or definition of response inhibition failure, on these associations. Our results show that a) SSRT has weak association with impulsivity, while mouse movement measures have strong and significant association with impulsivity; b) machine learning models trained on the mouse movement data from “known” participants using nested cross-validation procedure can accurately predict impulsivity ratings of “unknown” participants; c) mouse movement features such as maximum acceleration and maximum velocity are among the most important predictors for impulsivity; d) using preset stop-signal delays prompts behavior that is more indicative of impulsivity.
Highlights
IntroductionThe capacity for controlling impulsive behavior (i.e., response inhibition) is perhaps the most important function in cognitive control
The capacity for controlling impulsive behavior is perhaps the most important function in cognitive control
If mouse movement measures improve stop-signal task (SST)’s association with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ratings, what trajectory features are most related to ADHD ratings? Which ADHD subscale (e.g., DSM-IV Inattentive symptoms versus DSM-IV: Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms) is most correlated with stop-signal reaction time (SSRT)? In a mouse movement version of SST, how do you define an “incorrect” response in a stop trial in a mouse movement measure? What would be the best way of devising a stop signal delay? Is the standard staircase method superior to a pre-fixed method [44]? The present study addresses these questions
Summary
The capacity for controlling impulsive behavior (i.e., response inhibition) is perhaps the most important function in cognitive control. Neuropsychological and neuroscientific research suggests that impulsive individuals are likely to be pathological gamblers [1] and engage in drug or alcohol abuse [2]. Impulsivity can be defined and measured in at least two different ways: as a preference for earlier but smaller rewards over later and larger rewards (delay discounting) or as an inability to inhibit undesired actions (behavioral disinhibition) [3]. The difference in definitions provides a challenge for clinicians to diagnose their patients with impulsivity-related disorders such as ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder).
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