Visual Selective Attention in Adults with ADHD: Electrophysiological Evidence of Facilitation and Suppression

Jane W Couperus,Dylan Furlong,Katherine Mott,Brittany R Alperin

doi:10.4236/jbbs.2014.43017

Jane W Couperus, Dylan Furlong + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jbbs.2014.43017

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Journal: Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science	Publication Date: Jan 1, 2014
Citations: 30	License type: CC BY 4.0

Abstract

This study examined the functioning of facilitation and suppression in visual selective attention in adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Electrophysiological data were examined in control adults and adults with ADHD during a cued visual spatial selective attention task where in addition to directing attention, the cue probabilistically predicted the presence of a distractor. Late activity following the cue (ADAN) showed attention modulation for all participants. However, only ADHD participants showed additional significant distractor anticipation modulations. Stimulus related activity showed modulations of early visual processing (P1) as a function of attention and anticipated distractor presence for all participants suggesting functional facilitation and suppression. Findings suggest functional visual spatial selective attention in adults with ADHD.

Highlights

While often thought of as a disorder of childhood, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a significant challenge for adults as well
Assignment to the ADHD group was through both self-report and confirmed through the use of the Connor’s Adult ADHD Ratings Scales
Previous research suggests that any visual selective attention deficits in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are in early processing of stimuli [21]

Summary

Introduction

While often thought of as a disorder of childhood, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a significant challenge for adults as well. Adults with ADHD show higher levels of risk taking behavior [1], as well as higher rates of depression/anxiety, increased financial stress, and lower ratings on measures of relationship quality, health, and well-being [2]. Many aspects of this disorder are still not well understood. Impairments in sustained attention and inhibition are thought to be primary deficits of the disorder [3]-[5]. How to cite this paper: Couperus, J.W., Alperin, B.R., Furlong, D. and Mott, K. (2014) Visual Selective Attention in Adults with ADHD: Electrophysiological Evidence of Facilitation and Suppression. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 4, 129-140.

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