Neural correlates (ERP/fMRI) of voluntary selection in adult ADHD patients

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2010 Aug;260(5):427-40. doi: 10.1007/s00406-009-0089-y. Epub 2009 Nov 12.

Abstract

Deficits in executive functions, e.g. voluntary selection, are considered central to the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this simultaneous EEG/fMRI study was to examine associated neural correlates in ADHD patients. Patients with ADHD and healthy subjects performed an adapted go/nogo task including a voluntary selection condition allowing participants to freely decide, whether to press the response button. Electrophysiologically, response inhibition and voluntary selection led to fronto-central responses. The fMRI data revealed increased medial/lateral frontal and parietal activity during the voluntary selection task. Frontal brain responses were reduced in ADHD patients compared to controls during free responses, whereas parietal brain functions seemed to be unaffected. These results may indicate that selection processes are related to dysfunctions, predominantly in frontal brain regions in ADHD patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / pathology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Brain / blood supply*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Decision Making / physiology
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Executive Function
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Statistics as Topic

Substances

  • Oxygen