Bereitschaftspotential and lateralized readiness potential in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: altered motor system activation and effects of methylphenidate.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to abnormal functioning of cortical motor areas such as the supplementary motor area, the premotor cortex and primary motor cortex (MI). The Bereitschaftspotential (BP) and lateralized readiness potential (LRP) are movement-related potentials generated by cortical motor areas. We hypothesized that the BP and LRP would be altered in children with ADHD.