Word Recognition Memory in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder as Reflected by Event-Related Potentials

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.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and working memory in adults: A meta-analytic review.

“…Next, data from 33 tasks were excluded in favor of tasks that required greater mental manipulation of information (i.e., greater demand on CE processes). Remaining tasks ( n = 10) that could not be selected by the above criteria were selected randomly when task demands were equivalent and none of the a priori selection guidelines provided resolution (Barkley & Murphy, 2010; Gropper & Tannock, 2009; Ibáñez et al, 2011; Marx et al, 2010, 2011; Prox-Vagedes et al, 2011; Ross, Harris, Olincy, & Radant, 2000; Rucklidge, Harrison, & Johnstone, 2011; Schweitzer, Hanford, & Medoff, 2006; Torralva et al, 2011). Finally, two studies that reported multiple conditions of a task required special consideration.…”