Time Perception is a Focal Symptom of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
Summary & key facts
This paper reviews research on adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and argues that problems with how time is felt and judged are a central feature of the condition. The authors looked at brain and psychology studies and tests that run on computers. They report that many people with ADHD feel time moves faster, have trouble estimating how long things take, and struggle with tasks that ask them to watch or wait and predict time. The paper suggests using computer tests and training to measure and help these time-perception problems and recommends that time-related symptoms be added to the official diagnostic list for ADHD.
- ADHD is usually linked to being inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive, and also to internal problems like restlessness and emotional impulsivity.
- The authors reviewed neurological and psychological studies and conclude that differences in time perception may be a core symptom of ADHD in adults, not just a side issue.
- People with ADHD often report that time feels like it moves faster for them.
- Those time differences show up as trouble estimating how long things take and as problems with prospective time tasks — that is, tasks where you have to watch or wait and judge how much time will pass.
- The review examines computer-based tests that can measure time perception and suggests several computer methods that could help address these problems in children and adults.
- The authors recommend that symptoms related to time perception be considered for inclusion in the next official diagnostic manual for mental disorders.
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classically associated with symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity together with a variety of other observable externalized symptoms. ADHD has also been associated with specific internalized cognitive symptoms, including restlessness and emotional impulsivity. This disorder has been recognized as a lifelong condition and can be recognized by a variety of unique cognitive phenomena. In addition to the frequently ignored affective symptoms exhibited by individuals diagnosed with ADHD, problems with time perception have been noted, although these are considered to be secondary issues. Temporal shifts in cognitive processing, however, may be at the very root of ADHD-related symptoms, given the importance of coordinated signal translation in the construction of behavior. In this review, we consider the evidence that suggests that differences in time perception are a central symptom in adults with ADHD. Some of these differences include the feeling of time moving faster, which causes difficulties in prospective time tasks and inaccuracies in time estimation tasks. We analyze the literature from both neurological and psychological perspectives and include an assessment of tools that can be administered via computer to measure time perception. We also suggest several computer-based methods that might be used to address problems with time perception in both children and adults. We strongly recommend the inclusion of ADHD symptoms associated with time perception in the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
