A quantitative analysis of fidgeting in ADHD and its relation to performance and sustained attention on a cognitive task

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1394096
• Publication Date: 2024-07-01T05:02:16Z
• Authors: Ha Min Son; Catrina Andaya Calub; Boyang Fan; J. Faye Dixon; Shahbaz Rezaei; Jared Borden; Julie B. Schweitzer; Xin Liu
• Keywords: Clinical Sciences; 150; RC435-571; 610; Clinical sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Clinical Research; Behavioral and Social Science; Psychology; Pediatric; Psychiatry; Biomedical and Clinical Sciences; adult ADHD; Neurosciences; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Mental Illness; Brain Disorders; fidgeting; accelerometer; Mental Health; Public Health and Health Services; Mental health; actigraphy; flanker

Introduction Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder where hyperactivity often manifests as fidgeting, non-goal-directed motoric action. Many studies demonstrate fidgeting varies under different conditions self-regulating mechanism for attention and alertness during cognitively demanding tasks. Fidgeting has also been associated with reaction time variability. However, lack of standard variables to define quantify can lead discrepancies in data interpretability issues across studies. Furthermore, little known about adults ADHD compared youth. This study aims design framework meaningful apply them test the relation between performance on cognitive task, Flanker, ADHD. Method Our included 70 adult participants diagnosed ADHD, aged 18–50 years (30.5 ± 7.2 years). Screening structured clinical interview, childhood, current self observer ratings symptoms. Actigraphy devices were attached left wrist right ankle completion control, task (the Flanker). Laboratory testing was subsequently completed single day. The performance, variability examined. Results Discussion analysis revealed increased correct trials defined by our new variables, consistent previous observations. differences observed early later while percentage not significantly different. suggests role sustaining attention. Participants low variability, that is, those more times, fidgeted trials. observation supports theory aids arousal improves sustained Finally, correlation using ADHD-symptom rating scales validated relevance fidget symptom severity. These findings suggest may be compensatory although alternative explanations exist. Conclusion aid attention-demanding, control processes among lower newly through significant scales. By sharing implementation we hope standardize encourage further quantitative research into