Relation between response inhibition and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity–impulsivity in children

Abstract

This study assessed the relation of response inhibition with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. The stop signal task was employed to investigate inhibitory control in 76 children with symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity and 48 normal control subjects. The Rating Scale for teachers, which measures the intensity of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention, was completed for each child. Response inhibition deficit was found in children with symptoms of inattention alone or both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, but not in children with hyperactive-impulsive symptoms alone. Stepwise regression indicated that distractibility-fatigability is the best predictor of the stop signal reaction time. Symptoms of inattention, rather than symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity, are associated with the response inhibition impairment.