Investigation of possible changes in temporal binding in patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Grant number: 24/07793-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: André Mascioli Cravo
• Grantee: Veronica Casagrande
• Host Institution: Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição (CMCC). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Temporal perception plays a crucial role in everyday life, allowing us to understand the passage of time, plan actions and perceive their consequences. However, this ability is altered in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The diagnosis process for this disorder is long and in the adult population can be difficult, as patients seem to learn to adapt to their symptoms. Given these limitations, the literature has explored alternatives to assist in the diagnosis of ADHD. Given the relationship established between this disorder and temporal perception, temporal binding, a psychophysical phenomenon that assesses the subjective perception of temporal proximity between related events, shows promise as a quick and accessible measure for a future marker. To this end, this project aims to investigate the impact of ADHD on the magnitude of the temporal binding effect, as well as replicating previous studies that demonstrated the effect of temporal binding in different temporal tasks, such as the Libet Clock and temporal estimation. We will also examine correlations between the effect of temporal binding and neuropsychological measures. This study will contribute to a better understanding of the temporal perception deficits associated with ADHD and the potential of temporal binding as a marker to improve clinical practice in the diagnosis of ADHD.