Clinical evidence demonstrates the link between ADHD increased engagement in risk-taking behavior. The current paper uses decision theory framework to determine whether subjects with ADHD choose to engage in risk-taking behavior because they are risk seeking, or because they have a difficulty in maximizing utility.
In previous studies, level of risk and favorability of options were often confounded. In a series of studies combining experimental and meta-analytical methodologies, we demonstrated that when favorability of options was controlled for, individuals with ADHD did not choose the risky option more often than controls. On the other hand, when level of risk was controlled for, individuals with ADHD were less opt in choosing the more favorable option. These findings suggest that ADHD is not associated with risk seeking, but rather with suboptimal decision-making.
