Linking state regulation, brain laterality, and self-reported ADHD symptoms in adults

Aim: Difficulties in regulating the motor activation state and atypical brain laterality have been suggested to be key factors in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). So far, the link between the two factors has not been directly tested, which is the aim of the present study. Method: Seventy-seven adults with various scores on the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale performed a lateralized lexical decision task (measuring brain laterality) while stimuli were presented in a fast, medium and slow rate (measuring state regulation). Results: Higher ADHD scores were related to less involvement of the left hemisphere in the slow presentation rate, wherein regulating the motor activation state was most needed. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that poor state regulation is associated with atypical brain laterality in ADHD and that the interplay between these factors may underlie ADHD dysfunctions