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Deficient inhibitory control in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine two executive control processes — response inhibition and re-engagement of responses after inhibition in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty-three children with ADHD and 22 normal control children of similar age (7 to 11 years) and mean IQ (107) were tested with the change paradigm. ADHD subgroups were defined by the context in which the ADHD symptoms predominated (in the home only; at school only; and in both, i.e., pervasive ADHD). Children with marked oppositional defiant or conduct disorder were excluded. Children with ADHD exhibited deficits in inhibitory control and in response re-engagement. Deficits were greatest in pervasive ADHD and, to a lesser extent, in those with ADHD limited to the school context. ADHD limited to the home context showed the least deficit. These results replicate an earlier study that found deficient inhibitory control in pervasive ADHD and demonstrate that the deficit in ADHD involves a second aspect of executive control.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, M5G 1X8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Russell Schachar, Rosemary Tannock & Michael Marriott

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, USA

    Gordon Logan

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  1. Russell Schachar
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  2. Rosemary Tannock
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  3. Michael Marriott
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  4. Gordon Logan
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Additional information

We are grateful to Anne Rhodes and Isobelle Williams for their assistance in the conduct of this research. This research was supported by grants from Health and Welfare Canada and the Medical Research Council of Canada. This paper was prepared with the assistance of Medical Publications, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.

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Schachar, R., Tannock, R., Marriott, M. et al. Deficient inhibitory control in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Abnorm Child Psychol 23, 411–437 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01447206

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