Neurophysiological and behavioral measures associated with attentional and inhibitory processes in adult young with ADHD

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by harmful levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and occurs in 2.5% of adults. This project will evaluate young adults with ADHD in computerized tasks for different forms of attention and inhibition, correlating them with self-report scales and physiological measurements (EMG and fNIRS) to identify impairments in specific cognitive domains, as well as electromyographic and functional neuroimaging indicators, that can be used to characterize ADHD endophenotypes. The study will be conducted with two groups: one with ADHD - GClin and one control - CG, with 50 participants between 18 and 28 years each. Initially, participants will perform CPT-3 and respond to ASRS to be allocated to the CG or GClin, with validation by a specialist physician. After that, they will do the computerized inhibition (Stroop / Stop) and spatial (voluntary and automatic) and temporal attention tests. In this phase the data will be collected using electromyographic measurements and recording of brain activity in areas of the prefrontal cortex through fNIRS. After the tests they will complete the impulsivity scales (BIS-11 and UPPS). The analyzes will comprise: (1) ANOVA of the means of TRs and the accuracy (% of errors) of the computerized tests; (2) Pearson correlation analysis between RTs, test accuracy and ASRS scores. In addition, for GClin correlations will include impulsivity scale scores (BIS-11 and UPPS); (3) The number of double activations and subliminal activities (EMG) obtained in the Stroop / Stop test will be submitted to ANOVAs and correlation analyzes with the different scales and (4) The fNIRS analysis will use the oxyhemoglobin signal, which will be analyzed individually. Thus, integration of physiological measurements, scales and tests will ensure integrated understanding of attentional and inhibitory processes impaired in ADHD. (AU)