Deficits of action control and specific goal intentions in hyperkinetic disorder II: Empirical results

Abstract

This article is based on an action-theoretical framework for hyperkinetic behavior disorders. Objective: Two resultant explanatory approaches that postulate ADHD-specific intentions and impairments of action control are tested experimentally. Methods: For this purpose, 15 ADHD children and 15 control children worked on a continuous performance test (CPT-AX). As a subsequent secondary task animals had to be named. To vary the degree of stimulation during the CPT, we presented rock music within certain time periods. To vary the degree of necessary action control during the CPT, we presented slides with animals (related to the secondary task) within certain time periods. Results: The CPT performance of ADHD children (but not of control children) improved under acoustical stimulation. Under conditions of high necessary action control, the performance of control children (but not of ADHD-children) improved. Conclusions: This pattern of results can be interpreted as indicating ADHD-specific intentions and impairments of action control.