Reaction Time and Attention: Toward a New Standard in the Assessment of ADHD? A Pilot Study

J Atten Disord. 2015 Dec;19(12):1074-82. doi: 10.1177/1087054712466440. Epub 2012 Dec 26.

Abstract

This pilot study shows results of an experiment comparing reaction times (RTs) and attentional performance between an ADHD group of 30 children and 30 controls, both Spanish speaking. The experiment was carried out using the Seville computerized neuropsychological battery (SNB).

Objective: This study had two goals: One was to test sensitivity of SNB for attention deficits in ADHD and the second was to detect differences in RTs between ADHD and controls. Possible explanations and implications of such differences are also discussed.

Method: SNB computerized system was used to assess RTs and accuracy, and alternate forms of continuous performance task were used.

Results: Results showed high sensitivity of some of the SNB tests, especially cancellation tests. RTs were significantly different between groups.

Conclusion: SNB represents a helpful tool for detection of attention deficits, and RT indices represent the most significant variable in differentiation of both groups studied.

Keywords: ADHD; computer attention training; response inhibition; time perspective.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychometrics
  • Reaction Time / physiology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Time Factors