Prediction of Attention-deficit, Risk-taking, and Decreased Delay Discounting Based on Motivational Deficits and Impaired Time Perception in Children with Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Dysfunction of the dopaminergic system is associated with various symptoms, including a preference for immediate rewards and risk-taking, deficits in time management and behavioral inhibition, attention deficits, and reduced value of delayed reward. The present study aimed to predict attention deficit, risk-taking, and decrease in reward delay value based on motivational deficits and deficits in time perception in children with symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to the research objective, the current study employed a fundamental approach, while the data collection method was a descriptive correlation. The statistical population comprised all children between the ages of 7 and 12 with symptoms of ADHD in Urmia City in 2022. 200 individuals were selected from the population using a non-random and convenience sampling method from psychological clinics and relevant centers. Once the consent of the children and their parents was obtained, they were included as the final sample. For data collection, the delayed discounting task, the balloon analog risk task, the how I feel scale, the time reproduction test, and the continuous performance of attention measurement were utilized. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis and multiple regression using SPSS version 23. The results of the present study demonstrated that motivational deficits and deficits in time perception at the level of P=0.001 predict attention deficit, risk-taking, and delay impairment in children with ADHD symptoms. The results indicate that deficits in attention, risk-taking behavior, and reduction in delay value among children with ADHD are attributed to deficits in motivation and time perception.