Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown that impaired goal-directed alpha lateralization and functional
disconnection within attention networks during the cue period are significant features
of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to explore the
role of brain oscillations in the visual search process, focusing on target-induced
posterior alpha lateralization, midfrontal theta synchronization, and their functional
connection in children with ADHD.
Methods
Electroencephalograms were recorded from typically developing (TD) children (n = 72) and children with ADHD (n = 96) while they performed a visual search task.
Results
Both the TD and ADHD groups showed significant midfrontal theta event-related synchronization
(ERS) and posterior alpha lateralization. Compared with TD children, children with
ADHD showed significantly lower theta ERS and higher target-induced alpha lateralization.
TD children showed a positive trial-based correlation between theta ERS and alpha
lateralization and a negative correlation between theta ERS and reaction time variability.
However, all these correlations were absent in children with ADHD.
Conclusions
Abnormal brain oscillations in children with ADHD indicate insufficient executive
control function and the compensation of attention networks for attention deficits
in visual selective attention. Cross-frequency disconnection reflects the common deficiency
of executive control in the gating of target information. Our findings provide novel
evidence for interpreting the features of brain oscillations during stimulus-driven
selective attention in children with ADHD.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 12, 2022
Accepted:
March 1,
2022
Received in revised form:
February 26,
2022
Received:
July 30,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Society of Biological Psychiatry.
