Authors
Gabriele Diamanti, Julien Colin , Roland Hasler, Tomas Ros, Nader Perroud, Marie-Pierre Deiber
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnp.2025.11.005Abstract
Highlights Elevated detection deficits and errors in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Reduced error positivity (Pe) amplitude reflects impaired error awareness in ADHD. • Altered error negativity (Ne) and positivity (Pe) correlate with impulsivity in ADHD. Abstract Objective Individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) face stigma in a society that values efficiency and self-control, with their behaviors often misattributed to inattention or recklessness rather than neurophysiological mechanisms. This study examined error processing deficits in adults with ADHD using event-related potentials (ERPs). Methods Twenty-eight adults with ADHD and 22 healthy controls completed a Continuous Performance Task (CPT) while undergoing EEG recording. ERP analysis focused on error-related negativity (Ne/ERN), linked to automatic error detection, and error positivity (Pe), associated with conscious error evaluation. Results Although reaction times did not differ significantly, ADHD patients showed greater response variability, increased omission and commission errors, and reduced stimulus detectability. After adjusting for anxiety, depression, and the number of valid trials, Ne amplitude did not differ between groups, whereas individuals with ADHD showed significantly reduced Pe amplitude. Within the ADHD group, prolonged Ne latency correlated with increased commission errors and faster responses, while lower Pe amplitude was linked to more commission errors and higher reaction time variability. Ne amplitude was negatively associated with motor impulsivity. Conclusions These findings highlight primary deficits in conscious error-monitoring processes, shedding light on altered neurophysiological mechanisms underlying impulsivity in adult ADHD. Significance This study provides insights into ADHD-related impulsivity, potentially informing future interventions for executive dysfunction. Keywords Adult ADHD Error processing Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) Impulsivity