ABSTRACT
Background:
A stronger preference for immediate
rewards has been reported in individuals with
ADHD and other disorders. However, the consistency of the
associations between this preference and psychiatric conditions as well as functional outcomes have been questioned.
Research on its
association with longitudinal outcomes is scarce.
Methods:
The current study used data on a choice delay task (CDT) from a
school-based cohort of Brazilian
children with those at higher
risk for
psychiatric disorders over-sampled (n = 1917). The sample included typically developing
children (n = 1379), those with
ADHD (n = 213), and other disorders. The frequency of the trials where
children chose a larger later
reward versus a smaller sooner
reward was compared for those with
ADHD and typically developing
children. Cross-sectionally and longitudinally, the study also evaluated whether
children's preference for larger delayed
rewards at baseline predicted the presence of
psychiatric disorders and functional
life outcomes (
academic performance, alcohol use, early
pregnancy,
criminal conviction, BMI).
Results:
Children with
ADHD and their typically developing peers performed similarly on the CDT. Their baseline
task performance was not related to psychiatric conditions or
life outcomes.
Conclusions:
The current results raise questions regarding the use of the CDT with diverse
populations and whether a preference for larger delayed
rewards is predictive of positive long-term outcomes as widely assumed.
