Feedback and Reaction Time in Preschoolers with ADHD and ODD

The Journal of Attention Disorders published research on the reaction time in preschoolers with ADHD with and without oppositional defiant diorder (ODD).  Preschoolers who had ADHD with and without ODD and neurotypical preschoolers participated in a computerized reaction time study consisting of two conditions - simple reaction time and reinforced simple reaction.  The following results were recorded:

• overall reaction times were significantly less and shorter during the reinforced simple reaction time task
• during the simple reaction time task the reaction times of the ADHD + ODD group were significantly more variable than the neurotypical group although the reaction times for the ADHD + ODD during the reinforced simple reaction were statistically the same as the other groups

The researchers concluded that preschoolers who are oppositional/defiant and hyperactive are the most responsive to feedback/reward.

Reference: Chaya B. Gopin et al. ADHD Preschoolers With and Without ODD: Do They Act Differently Depending On Degree of Task Engagement/Reward? Journal of Attention Disorders October 2013 17: 608-619, first published on February 8, 2012 doi:10.1177/1087054711432140