Selective Visual Attention in ADHD: A Narrative Review

Klein, Jennifer L. and Allen, Harriet A. and Clibbens, John and Cook, Amy and Amanatidou, Virginia and Mavritsaki, Eirini (2025) Selective Visual Attention in ADHD: A Narrative Review. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 25 (1). ISSN 1528-4042

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairing levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that adversely impact functioning across social, academic/occupational and home settings. While the name of the disorder implies obvious difficulties in attention, research has struggled to consistently identify a precise neurocognitive marker. This article aims to characterize the functioning of selective visual attention in ADHD by reviewing previous studies that compare individuals with ADHD and healthy controls at the behavioral and neural levels using single-frame visual search tasks.

Recent Findings

Past research indicates both bottom-up (stimulus-driven) and top-down (goal-driven) attention across both time and space are likely affected in ADHD. However, more research is needed to illuminate the specific mechanisms involved.

Summary

Ultimately, this narrative review aims to highlight the importance of studying selective visual attention in ADHD to explain the heterogeneous symptoms and impairments of this complex disorder, as well as to build a stronger bridge between the high-level behaviors of ADHD and their underlying neurobiological mechanisms.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1007/s11910-025-01435-5
Dates:	Date Event 26 June 2025 Accepted 24 July 2025 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ADHD, Selective attention, Bottom-up, Top-down, Visual search
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific)
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	06 Aug 2025 14:44
Last Modified:	06 Aug 2025 14:44
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16580

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