title: Word recognition memory in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as reflected by event-related potentials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly diagnosed in adults. In this study we address the question whether there are impairments in recognition memory.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the present study 13 adults diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV and 13 healthy controls were examined with respect to event-related potentials (ERPs) in a visual continuous word recognition paradigm to gain information about recognition memory effects in these patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The amplitude of one attention-related ERP component, the N1, was significantly increased for the ADHD adults compared with the healthy controls in the occipital electrodes. The ERPs for the second presentation were significantly more positive than the ERPs for the first presentation. This effect did not significantly differ between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neuronal activity related to an early attentional mechanism appears to be enhanced in ADHD patients. Concerning the early or the late part of the old/new effect ADHD patients show no difference which suggests that there are no differences with respect to recollection and familiarity-based recognition processes.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany.
authors: Vanessa
authors: V
authors: Prox-Vagedes
authors: Stefanie
authors: S
authors: Steinert
authors: Yuanyuan
authors: Y
authors: Zhang
authors: Mandy
authors: M
authors: Roy
authors: Wolfgang
authors: W
authors: Dillo
authors: Hinderk M
authors: HM
authors: Emrich
authors: Detlef E
authors: DE
authors: Dietrich
authors: Martin D
authors: MD
authors: Ohlmeier