The mechanism of “cool”/“hot” executive function deficit acting on the core symptoms of ADHD children

Abstract

: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a persistent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, which is closely related to the executive function deficits resulting from the dysplastic of prefrontal cortex. Based on the neuro-cognitive-behavioral developmental path, it is proposed that executive function deficits may be the pathogenesis of the core symptoms of ADHD at the cognitive level, among which the "cool" one related with the dorsal prefrontal cortex might be the dominant factor affecting inattention, and the “hot” one linked to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex could play the main role in the manifestation of hyperactivity-impulsivity. On the one hand, deficits in "cool" executive function mainly result in failures in working memory representation, lack of inhibitory control, and difficulties in cognitive flexibility, and further lead to limitations in attention maintenance, selection, and switching. On the other hand, deficits in "hot" executive function bring problems like delay aversion, reward abnormality and motivation disorders, which make one fail to inhibit behavior and more likely to make impulsive decisions, thereby displaying more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. Future studies are expected to examine and improve theoretical models of “hot” and “cold” executive function deficits affecting the core symptoms of ADHD, and provide more empirical evidence at the cognitive neural level. Meanwhile, future studies need to examine the mechanism mentioned above in ecological backgrounds, and further develop intervention projects with personalization, precision and long-acting to alleviate the core symptoms of ADHD based on executive function.