Cognitive Event Related Potentials and ADHD Across the Lifespan

Abstract

People with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience cognitive impairments across life span. Multiple studies have correlated cognitive dysfunction to multiple brain regions and networks, based on neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG) studies. Event related potentials (ERPs) are brain voltage fluctuations that are time-locked to specific physical or cognitive events, which are scalp recorded using EEG. By using ERPs, it is possible to non-invasively study different stages of information processing, from perceptual/sensorial to higher cognitive processes, with high temporal resolution and, therefore, can be suggested as putative biomarkers for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thus, in this chapter we discuss the usefulness of cognitive ERPs in the assessment of cognitive function in people with ADHD across lifespan. Thus, differences between children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD, as compared to those without ADHD, on both earlier (P50, P100, N100, P200, N200, ERN/Ne) versus later (P300, CNV) cognitive Event-Related Potentials (ERPs). The final section of this chapter summarizes the main evidence and main challenges on the current use of cognitive ERPs as putative markers of cognitive impairment in people with ADHD.