The Dynamic Properties of a Brain Network During Spatial Working Memory Tasks in College Students With ADHD Traits

Jang, Kyoung-Mi; Kim, Myung-Sun; Kim, Do-Won · 2020 · DOAJ

DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.580813

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Summary

This study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying spatial working memory deficits in college students exhibiting attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits. While working memory impairments are a hallmark of ADHD, the specific neurological dynamics during spatial tasks remain unclear. The authors aimed to characterize these deficits by examining neural oscillations, functional connectivity, and brain network properties using electroencephalography (EEG). The research involved 81 participants divided into an ADHD-trait group (n = 40) and a normal control group (n = 41), selected based on scores from the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS). Participants performed a spatial 2-back task while EEG data were recorded. The analysis focused on theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha (8–12 Hz) frequency bands. Researchers calculated event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) to assess power changes, phase-locking values (PLV) to measure functional connectivity, and graph theory metrics (clustering coefficient and characteristic path length) to evaluate network efficiency. Behavioral results indicated that the ADHD-trait group exhibited significantly slower response times than controls, though accuracy did not differ significantly. Neurophysiologically, the ADHD-trait group showed significantly reduced theta power and increased alpha power (specifically between 250–1000 ms post-stimulus) compared to controls. Functional connectivity analysis revealed that the ADHD-trait group had weaker theta phase synchrony and fewer significant connections, particularly in frontal-occipital areas. Graph theoretical analysis demonstrated that the ADHD-trait group possessed a significantly lower clustering coefficient and longer characteristic path length in the theta band. Crucially, while the control group exhibited small-world network properties indicative of efficient information processing, the ADHD-trait group failed to demonstrate these properties across all time intervals. Correlation analyses further linked lower theta power and specific network metrics to higher ADHD symptom severity scores. These findings suggest that spatial working memory deficits in individuals with ADHD traits are associated with abnormal neural oscillations and inefficient brain network organization. Specifically, the lack of small-world properties and reduced theta synchronization imply impaired functional connectivity and information transfer efficiency. This study highlights the potential of EEG-based network metrics as biomarkers for understanding the cognitive and neurological underpinnings of ADHD.

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• cognitive capacity variation