As previously stated by the American Psychiatric Association (2000), the most defining features of ADHD includes hyperactivity and inattention. Although studies have shown a few inconsistencies within symptomology across a developmental platform, inattention appears to be a reoccurring factor (Harrison, 2011). Harrison (2011) also states that attention problems were shown more in adolescents than in children, who showed more hyperactivity symptoms. Adolescent years are a time of great change and development. Certain symptoms of ADHD seem to be more prevalent depending on what stage of life those diagnosed with it are currently experiencing. According to Seidman (2006), ADHD has three main subtypes which include inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.
Another aspect that comes with ADHD is impairment in executive function (Holmes, 2010). It is necessary that we discuss characteristics of impairment in executive function as it relates to sustained attention. It has been found that executive function directly …show more content…
A study was conducted to see how the cortical levels in the brain respond to sustained attention tasks in people with ADHD (Loo et. al, 2009). Researchers suggest that due to the hypoaroused brain state that is associated with ADHD; there is an observable pattern of slow responses on sustained attention tasks (Loo et. al, 2009). These same researchers hypothesized that in order to maintain sustained attention; there will be an increase in activation with a lower resting state (Loo, et. al 2009). Thus, the link between sustained attention and cortical activity should be evident. Results in this study showed the ADHD participants neural activation was high during the sustained attention task, while the control group merely adapted to the task which required less cortical activation (Loo, et. al
Another aspect that comes with ADHD is impairment in executive function (Holmes, 2010). It is necessary that we discuss characteristics of impairment in executive function as it relates to sustained attention. It has been found that executive function directly …show more content…
A study was conducted to see how the cortical levels in the brain respond to sustained attention tasks in people with ADHD (Loo et. al, 2009). Researchers suggest that due to the hypoaroused brain state that is associated with ADHD; there is an observable pattern of slow responses on sustained attention tasks (Loo et. al, 2009). These same researchers hypothesized that in order to maintain sustained attention; there will be an increase in activation with a lower resting state (Loo, et. al 2009). Thus, the link between sustained attention and cortical activity should be evident. Results in this study showed the ADHD participants neural activation was high during the sustained attention task, while the control group merely adapted to the task which required less cortical activation (Loo, et. al