Abstract

This article reviews literature about psychophysiological correlates of Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by examining studies conducted measuring EEG, ERP, CF, EDA and EMG. A complex range of EEG anomalies were related to the disorder. ADHD subjects were characterised by increased slow waves activity (rhythms delta and teta). Differences in ERPs have also been reported in the CNV, in the MMN and in the P300 components. Data regarding the autonomic nervous system are more controversial. When differences between children with ADHD and controls emerged, it has been observed that arousal is lower in the children with ADHD and it covaries with an inhibitory deficit. Moreover, the studies that have examined the effect of the comorbity suggest that the children with ADHD and conduct disorder show lower values of arousal. Theoretical models proposed to explain psychophysiological data are discussed and possible further research steps are outlined.