Multi-Source Interference Task paradigm to enhance automatic and controlled processes in ADHD

Background: The role of automatic and controlled processes in children with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has recently been debated. Most theories on ADHD assume that core deficits are related to controlled processes and executive function. Aims: The main aim of the present study is to examine automatic and controlled attention in children with ADHD, compared to TD subjects. Methods and procedures: Twenty ADHD-I children, 20 with ADHD-C and 20 typical developing children performed the Block-Formed Multi-Source Interference Task (MSIT) both in incongruent and congruent conditions. Outcome and results: Results show that clinical groups had a poorer performance than the TD group in both conditions. Conclusions and implications: This study demonstrated that children with ADHD exhibit a deficit both in automatic and controlled processes.