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Blomberg R, Johansson Capusan A, Signoret C, Danielsson H, Rönnberg J. The Effects of Working Memory Load on Auditory Distraction in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:771711. [PMID: 34916918 PMCID: PMC8670091 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.771711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive control provides us with the ability to inter alia, regulate the locus of attention and ignore environmental distractions in accordance with our goals. Auditory distraction is a frequently cited symptom in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (aADHD)-yet few task-based fMRI studies have explored whether deficits in cognitive control (associated with the disorder) impedes on the ability to suppress/compensate for exogenously evoked cortical responses to noise in this population. In the current study, we explored the effects of auditory distraction as function of working memory (WM) load. Participants completed two tasks: an auditory target detection (ATD) task in which the goal was to actively detect salient oddball tones amidst a stream of standard tones in noise, and a visual n-back task consisting of 0-, 1-, and 2-back WM conditions whilst concurrently ignoring the same tonal signal from the ATD task. Results indicated that our sample of young aADHD (n = 17), compared to typically developed controls (n = 17), had difficulty attenuating auditory cortical responses to the task-irrelevant sound when WM demands were high (2-back). Heightened auditory activity to task-irrelevant sound was associated with both poorer WM performance and symptomatic inattentiveness. In the ATD task, we observed a significant increase in functional communications between auditory and salience networks in aADHD. Because performance outcomes were on par with controls for this task, we suggest that this increased functional connectivity in aADHD was likely an adaptive mechanism for suboptimal listening conditions. Taken together, our results indicate that aADHD are more susceptible to noise interference when they are engaged in a primary task. The ability to cope with auditory distraction appears to be related to the WM demands of the task and thus the capacity to deploy cognitive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Blomberg
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Andrea Johansson Capusan
- Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carine Signoret
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Henrik Danielsson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jerker Rönnberg
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Onandia-Hinchado I, Pardo-Palenzuela N, Diaz-Orueta U. Cognitive characterization of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by domains: a systematic review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:893-937. [PMID: 33620582 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is reportedly the most frequent neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed during childhood, and it is recognized as a common condition in adulthood. We review the evidence to help identify cognitive domains associated to deficits in adult ADHD. A systematic review with narrative synthesis was performed, assessing studies on adult ADHD, neuropsychology and research on involved cognitive domains in adults 18+ years old with an established diagnosis of ADHD, in seven electronic databases (PubMed, PsychInfo, WebOfScience, Embase, Scopus, OvidSPMedline, and Teseo), and Worldcat and OpenGrey grey literature databases. 93 studies were included for this review, encompassing findings from a total 5574 adults diagnosed only with ADHD, medication-naïve or non-medicated at the moment of the assessment and 4880 healthy controls. Adults diagnosed with ADHD may show, when compared to healthy controls, a cognitive profile characterized by deficits across all attention modalities, processing speed, executive function (mainly working memory and inhibition with emphasis on reward delay and interference control), verbal memory, reading skills, social cognition and arithmetic abilities. A cognitive characterization of adult ADHD by domains is established beyond the sole consideration of attention and executive function problems. Along with these, verbal memory, language (mainly reading), social cognition and arithmetic abilities may also contribute to a more comprehensive characterization of the cognitive profile in adult ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Unai Diaz-Orueta
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Room 3.11, John Hume Building, North Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Memory problems are a frequently reported symptom in adult ADHD, and it is well-documented that adults with ADHD perform poorly on long-term memory tests. However, the cause of this effect is still controversial. The present meta-analysis examined underlying mechanisms that may lead to long-term memory impairments in adult ADHD. METHOD We performed separate meta-analyses of measures of memory acquisition and long-term memory using both verbal and visual memory tests. In addition, the influence of potential moderator variables was examined. RESULTS Adults with ADHD performed significantly worse than controls on verbal but not on visual long-term memory and memory acquisition subtests. The long-term memory deficit was strongly statistically related to the memory acquisition deficit. In contrast, no retrieval problems were observable. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that memory deficits in adult ADHD reflect a learning deficit induced at the stage of encoding. Implications for clinical and research settings are presented.
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Pelletier MF, Hodgetts HM, Lafleur MF, Vincent A, Tremblay S. Vulnerability to the Irrelevant Sound Effect in Adult ADHD. J Atten Disord 2016; 20:306-16. [PMID: 23893530 DOI: 10.1177/1087054713492563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE An ecologically valid adaptation of the irrelevant sound effect paradigm was employed to examine the relative roles of short-term memory, selective attention, and sustained attention in ADHD. METHOD In all, 32 adults with ADHD and 32 control participants completed a serial recall task in silence or while ignoring irrelevant background sound. RESULTS Serial recall performance in adults with ADHD was reduced relative to controls in both conditions. The degree of interference due to irrelevant sound was greater for adults with ADHD. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between task performance under conditions of irrelevant sound and the extent of attentional problems reported by patients on a clinical symptom scale. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that adults with ADHD exhibit impaired short-term memory and a low resistance to distraction; however, their capacity for sustained attention is preserved as the impact of irrelevant sound diminished over the course of the task.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Annick Vincent
- Centre médical l'Hêtrière, Clinique Focus, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Canada
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Ko CH, Yen JY, Yen CF, Chen CS, Lin WC, Wang PW, Liu GC. Brain activation deficit in increased-load working memory tasks among adults with ADHD using fMRI. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2013; 263:561-73. [PMID: 23645101 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-013-0407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is impaired among adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to investigate the brain activation deficit for low-level or increased-load WM among adults with ADHD. A total of 20 adults with ADHD and controls were recruited according to diagnostic interviewing by a psychiatrist. Phonological and visual-spatial 2-back and 3-back tasks were performed under functional magnetic resonance scanning. The results demonstrated that both the adults with ADHD and the controls exhibited activation of the fronto-parietal network for WM, and the intensity was greater in the adult ADHD group. The ADHD group had higher brain activation over the bilateral anterior cingulate, left inferior frontal lobe, hippocampus, and supplementary motor area (SMA) for phonological WM than the control group. When the task loading increased from 2-back to 3-back tasks, the adults with ADHD perceived greater difficulty. The control group exhibited increased brain activation over the frontal-parietal network in response to increased phonological WM load. However, the ADHD group showed decreased brain activation over the left precuneus, insula, and SMA. Further analysis demonstrated that the ADHD group exhibited a greater decrease in brain activation over the left fronto-parietal network, including the precuneus, SMA, insula/inferior frontal lobe, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, than the control group. These results suggest that adults with ADHD pay more effort to low demanding phonological WM. On the other hand, brain activation of the left fronto-parietal network is impaired when the demands of WM exceed the capacity of adults with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Ko
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Zepf FD, Landgraf M, Biskup CS, Dahmen B, Poustka F, Wöckel L, Stadler C. No effect of acute tryptophan depletion on verbal declarative memory in young persons with ADHD. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013; 128:133-41. [PMID: 23418985 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal experiments and studies in adults have shown that the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in learning and memory processes. However, data on this relationship in young persons are scarce, and neurodietary research in this age group is limited compared with the extensive literature on adults. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of a diminished central nervous 5-HT synthesis, which is achieved by acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) Moja-De , on memory function in young males with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD Twenty-two male patients with ADHD (ages 9-15 years, mean 10.95 ± 1.17 years) received ATD, thus diminishing central nervous 5-HT synthesis, and a tryptophan-balanced amino acid load (BAL) in a randomized, double-blind, within-subject, crossover design study. Approximately 1.7 h after administration of ATD/BAL, verbal declarative memory was assessed using the 'Auditory Verbal-Learning-Test' (AVLT). RESULTS There were no significant effects of ATD administration on verbal declarative memory function. CONCLUSION In this study, changes in 5-HT neurotransmission were not associated with specific aspects of verbal declarative memory in young persons with ADHD. Future studies with healthy control groups that address effects of covarying attentional processes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- F D Zepf
- Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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No behavioral or ERP evidence for a developmental lag in visual working memory capacity or filtering in adolescents and adults with ADHD. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62673. [PMID: 23650525 PMCID: PMC3641097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients have both working memory (WM) and attention problems. Good attention skills are important for WM performance; individuals have higher WM capacity when being able to prevent storage of irrelevant information through efficient filtering. Since it is unknown how filtering ability is associated with WM performance in ADHD, this was investigated in the present study. A visuospatial working memory (VSWM) change detection task with distracting stimuli was administered to adolescents (12–16 years old) and adults (20–46 years old) with and without ADHD matched on education/IQ. Besides performance, contralateral delay activity (CDA) was measured; a neural correlate of the number of targets and distracters encoded and maintained in WM during the retention interval. Performance data showed similar WM-load, WM-distracter interference and developmental effects in ADHD and control groups. Adolescents’ performance on the WM task deteriorated more than that of adults in the presence of distracters and with higher WM-load, irrespective of Diagnosis. The CDA data suggested that initially all groups encoded/maintained distracting information, but only adults were able to bounce this information from memory later in the retention interval, leading to better WM performance. The only effect of Diagnosis was a smaller CDA in adolescents and adults with ADHD than in age/IQ-matched controls when maintaining a low 1-item load, which was possibly related to an inability to keep attention focused at cued stimuli with low task demands. Overall, the development of filtering efficiency and VSWM storage capacity in adolescents with ADHD was not different from that in typically developing peers.
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Timing deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Evidence from neurocognitive and neuroimaging studies. Neuropsychologia 2013; 51:235-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Prehn-Kristensen A, Molzow I, Munz M, Wilhelm I, Müller K, Freytag D, Wiesner CD, Baving L. Sleep restores daytime deficits in procedural memory in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2011; 32:2480-2488. [PMID: 21820271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2011.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Sleep supports the consolidation of declarative and procedural memory. While prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity supports the consolidation of declarative memory during sleep, opposite effects of PFC activity are reported with respect to the consolidation of procedural memory during sleep. Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are characterised by a prefrontal hypoactivity. Therefore, we hypothesised that children with ADHD benefit from sleep with respect to procedural memory more than healthy children. Sixteen children with ADHD and 16 healthy controls (aged 9-12) participated in this study. A modification of the serial-reaction-time task was conducted. In the sleep condition, learning took place in the evening and retrieval after a night of sleep, whereas in the wake condition learning took place in the morning and retrieval in the evening without sleep. Children with ADHD showed an improvement in motor skills after sleep compared to the wake condition. Sleep-associated gain in reaction times was positively correlated with the amount of sleep stage 4 and REM-density in ADHD. As expected, sleep did not benefit motor performance in the group of healthy children. These data suggest that sleep in ADHD normalizes deficits in procedural memory observed during daytime. It is discussed whether in patients with ADHD attenuated prefrontal control enables sleep-dependent gains in motor skills by reducing the competitive interference between explicit and implicit components within a motor task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Prehn-Kristensen
- Center for Integrative Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University School of Medicine, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
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