Delay aversion versus impulsivity: testing for dysfunction in ADHD

Article Abstract:

Edmund J.S. Sonuga-Barke's interpretation of dysfunctional performance of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as delay aversion rather than impulsivity suffers from several drawbacks. Sonuga-Barke fails to clearly define the difference between indifferent responding and impulsivity. Sonuga-Barke's interpretation is based on the averaged data. A close look at individual subject data provides evidence for a preference for the immediate reward, rather than a mere indifference. The effect of reward size on children's performance also needs to be considered.

Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J.S.

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When ''impulsiveness'' is delay aversion; a reply to Schweitzer and Sulzer-Azaroff (1995)

Article Abstract:

The performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Julie B. Schweitzer and B. Sulzer-Azaroff's intertemporal choice task paradigm can be interpreted as delay aversion rather than impulsivity. Sensitivity to differences in overall delay is termed as delay aversion. There is evidence for indifferent responding, as children show an indifference between the immediate and delayed reward alternatives. Several aspects of Schweitzer and Sulzer-Azaroff's paradigm, and maladaptive impulsiveness are briefly discussed.

Schweitzer, Julie B., Sulzer-Azaroff, B.

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Self-control in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: effects of added stimulation and time

Article Abstract:

The external validity of choice tasks was supported in a study of 5- and 6-year-old boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The boys with ADHD were less likely to choose delayed-larger rewards than a control group of typical boys, and the difference between the groups increased over time. Choice was not affected by added stimulation. For the ADHD group, increased rates of motoric activity were associated with decreased preference for delayed-larger rewards over time.

Choice (Psychology), Self-control (Child psychology), Childhood self control

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