Cited by 142Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderNeural and Behavioral Psychology StudiesDevelopmental and Educational Neuropsychology

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 135 of the 136 references it cites were found in a registry or an index, and 1 are not checked yet; none of the 120 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Context-dependent Dynamic Processes in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Differentiating Common and Unique Effects of State Regulation Deficits and Delay Aversion

Open access
Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J. S., Wiersema, Jan R., van der Meere, Jacob J., Roeyers, Herbert·2010·Neuropsychology Review

Abstract

The ability to specify differential predictions is a mark of a scientific models' value. State regulation deficits (SRD) and delay aversion (DAv) have both been hypothesized as context-dependent dynamic dysfunctions in ADHD. However, to date there has been no systematic comparison of their common and unique elements. Here we review these hypotheses-and describe the core and secondary manifestations of the two constructs and review evidence in support of them. Second, we focus on what are seen as the hallmark indicators of the two deficits-preference of small immediate over large delayed rewards for DAv and the slow event rate effect for SRD. We describe the overlap between these two manifestations and then explore how experimental manipulations and the analysis of neuropsychological and physiological mediators of effects can allow us to differentiate these two patterns of neuropsychological dysfunction on the basis of specific predictions. Finally, we highlight the implications of neuropsychological heterogeneity for the practical implementation of tests of DAv and SRD.

Checked 2026-10-06 · 1 reference not checked yet

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review compares delay aversion (DAv) and state regulation deficit (SRD) as context-dependent accounts of ADHD and argues that they overlap but can be distinguished by specific experimental predictions. It concludes that neuropsychological heterogeneity means neither construct likely explains all ADHD, so future work should partition subgroups rather than test one theory against the other.

Key findings

  • DAv and SRD both predict context- and state-dependent performance, but differ in predicted patterns: SRD predicts a nonlinear inverted-U effect of event rate, with deficits at both fast and slow rates and better performance at intermediate rates; DAv predicts linear-like worsening as delays lengthen or event rates slow.
  • Stimulant medication predictions diverge: SRD allows that methylphenidate could impair performance if it pushes an already optimal state into overactivation, whereas DAv predicts neutral or beneficial effects across conditions.
  • Evidence supports both constructs, but effects are modest and inconsistent; case-control neuropsychological differences are no larger than moderate (Cohen’s d < .7), and only subgroups of ADHD cases show any one deficit.
  • Heterogeneity is illustrated by Solanto et al. (2001): DAv and inhibitory deficits were uncorrelated and produced four subgroups (DAv only, inhibitory only, both, neither); a similar dissociation was reported for SRD and executive deficits.

Methods

  • Conceptual and theoretical review, not an empirical study; no new sample or primary data are reported.
  • Synthesizes prior behavioral, psychophysiological, neuroimaging, and pharmacological evidence for DAv and SRD.
  • Proposes differential predictions and experimental manipulations—event rate, pre- and post-reward delay, stimulation type, and stimulant medication—plus multivariate approaches to identify patient subgroups.

Limitations

  • The paper states that no systematic in-depth comparison of DAv and SRD existed before; it also notes unresolved questions about how motor readiness and effort allocation interact in SRD and whether overactivation effects are absent or difficult to induce.
  • It states that optimal event rates and delays vary by task and individual, making tests difficult; evidence for overactivation is scarce, and direct tests of neurobiological independence are lacking.
  • Evident from the text: as a review, it offers no new empirical validation of the proposed differentiating tests, and it notes that co-occurrence of DAv and SRD and individual-level classification remain unclear.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1007/s11065-009-9115-0

Cites

135 of 136 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

0 of 120 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

Show all 58 claims

  • It may state two separate claims as one. 40
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 38
70 of 70
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There has been no systematic in-depth attempt to compare and contrast DAv and SRD in the literature.

    “Given this uncertainty it is perhaps surprising that there has been no systematic in-depth attempt to compare and contrast DAv and SRD so far in the literature.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There has been no direct study of the independence of the neurobiological foundations of executive deficits and DAv within ADHD.

    “However, there has to date been no direct study of the independence of the neurobiological foundations of these distinctive elements within ADHD.”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The relationship between cognitive energetic processes and performance follows an inverted U function.

    “the relationship between cognitive energetic processes and performance as affected by these factors is predicted to follow an inverted 'U' function.”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The concept of optimality can be extended from required to desired event rate/delay.

    “if we assume that the concept of optimality can be extended from required to desired event rate/delay as described above.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    ADHD is neuropsychologically heterogeneous.

    “Neuropsychological heterogeneity significantly alters the way we conceptualise, theorise and measure neuropsychological dysfunction in ADHD.”
5 of 5

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Citations

Cites

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Show all 135 references

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Damasio, A. R. (1994). Decartes error. Emotion, reason, and the human brain. New York: Avon Books.
  2. Shiels, K., Hawk, L.W., Jr., Reynolds, B., Mazzullo, R., Rhodes, J., Pelham, W.E., Jr., et al. (in press). The effects of methylphenidate on discounting of delayed rewards in ADHD. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Cited by

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Items 101–141 of 141

Metadata

Authors
Sonuga-Barke, E. J. S., Wiersema, J. R., van der Meere, J. J., & Roeyers, H.
Affiliations
Ghent University (BE)
Corresponding author
Sonuga-Barke, Edmund J. S.
Venue
Neuropsychology Review
Published
2009-09-15
Volume
20
Issue
1
Pages
86-102
ISSN
  • 1040-7308 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-6660
OpenAlex
W2154741675
Cited by
142
References
135
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 12 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 18
FWCI
6.68
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuropsychology Review (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • ePrints Soton (University of Southampton) (submittedVersion)
  • University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
Keywords
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, delay aversion, impulsivity, delay discounting
MeSH terms
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Cognition Disorders, Environment, Humans, Models, Psychological, Executive Function

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