Deficient post-error slowing in children with ADHD is limited to the inattentive subtype

J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2012 May;18(3):612-7. doi: 10.1017/S1355617712000082. Epub 2012 Mar 6.

Abstract

Post-error slowing (i.e., slowing of a response on correct trials following an error) is thought to reflect adaptive behavior that may be impaired in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The current study examined post-error slowing in children with ADHD and typically developing controls on two cognitive tasks. Fifty-one ADHD-Combined type, 53 ADHD-Inattentive type, and 47 controls completed a Choice Discrimination and Stop Signal Task with incentive and event rate manipulations. Linear mixed models were used to examine reaction times surrounding errors (trial-by-trial). Pre-error speeding and pre- to post-error slowing occurred on both tasks. Impaired post-error slowing was only present on the Choice Discrimination Task for the ADHD-Inattentive type. Post-error slowing is impaired in children with ADHD-Inattentive type, but not ADHD-Combined type, on a simple attention task. These findings highlight the importance of considering task demands and ADHD subtype when examining post-error slowing and also provide a novel approach to quantifying post-error slowing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / classification*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications*
  • Child
  • Choice Behavior / physiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Discrimination, Psychological / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Reaction Time / physiology*