Abstract
Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly diagnosed in adults. In this study we address the question whether there are impairments in recognition memory. Methods: In the present study 13 adults diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV and 13 healthy controls were examined with respect to event-related potentials (ERPs) in a visual continuous word recognition paradigm to gain information about recognition memory effects in these patients. Results: The amplitude of one attention-related ERP component, the N1, was significantly increased for the ADHD adults compared with the healthy controls in the occipital electrodes. The ERPs for the second presentation were significantly more positive than the ERPs for the first presentation. This effect did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusion: Neuronal activity related to an early attentional mechanism appears to be enhanced in ADHD patients. Concerning the early or the late part of the old/new effect ADHD patients show no difference which suggests that there are no differences with respect to recollection and familiarity-based recognition processes.
Highlights
According to DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comprises the symptoms of an attention-deficit, hyperactivity, and a disturbance of impulse control
In the current study we address the question of whether there are significant differences between adult patients who suffer from ADHD and healthy controls with respect to the neural correlates of recognition, as quantified by event-related potentials (ERPs) in a continuous word recognition memory task
Behavioral Results Reaction time The reaction times (RTs) to words that were presented twice were longer in both groups [factor repetition: F(1,24) = 55.44; p < 0.0001: 560 ± 77 vs. 664 ± 40 ms for the subjects and 573 ± 76 vs. 636 ± 70 ms for the controls]
Summary
According to DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comprises the symptoms of an attention-deficit, hyperactivity, and a disturbance of impulse control. ADHD is nowadays understood as a genetically determined dysfunction of the dopamine and noradrenergic catecholamine system (Ernst et al, 1998; Faraone and Biederman, 1998; Dougherty et al, 1999; Dresel et al, 2000; Krause et al, 2003). ADHD in adults is thought to be a risk factor for addiction to drugs (Wilens, 2004). Stimulating drugs like methylphenidate have been available as a therapy option over the past years and are said to improve the symptoms of ADHD. This may be due to a reduction in problems associated with norepinephrine and dopamine dysfunctions (Solanto, 2002). A disruption of right hemispheric attentional mechanisms may be related to diminished right hemispheric frontostriatal catecholamine activity (Carter et al, 1995)
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