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ADHD and epilepsy in childhood
David W Dunn1, Joan K Austin, Jaroslaw Harezlak
1Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital 3701, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. ddunn@iupui.edu
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|January 29, 2003
Summary
Children with epilepsy show higher rates of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study found a significant prevalence of ADHD, particularly the inattentive type, in children with epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common in the general population (approx. 5%).
- Previous studies indicate a wide range (8-77%) of ADHD prevalence in children with epilepsy, varying by diagnostic criteria and sample.
- The majority of ADHD cases in the general population are the combined type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of ADHD symptoms in children with epilepsy.
- To investigate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and epilepsy characteristics.
Main Methods:
- 175 children (9-14 years) with a history of epilepsy (≥6 months) were evaluated.
- Caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Child Symptom Inventory-4 (CSI) or Adolescent Symptom Inventory-4 (ASI).
- DSM-IV criteria were used to diagnose ADHD subtypes.
Main Results:
- 20% of children met criteria for ADHD combined type, 24% for predominantly inattentive type, and 2% for predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type.
- Mean attention problem scores on the CBCL were elevated (T scores >64).
- No significant association was found between ADHD symptoms and sex, seizure type, or seizure focus.
Conclusions:
- Children with epilepsy are at increased risk for ADHD symptoms.
- Children with epilepsy and ADHD exhibit a higher proportion of the inattentive subtype compared to general ADHD populations.
- An equal male:female ratio was observed in this epilepsy cohort with ADHD, differing from typical ADHD samples.