When Is EEG Indicated in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Child Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Epileptiform abnormalities are sometimes observed in children with ADHD, but predictive factors are not well-established.
• Understanding these comorbidities can offer insights into ADHD pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify parameters that predict epileptiform abnormalities in children with ADHD.
• To explore the relationship between specific comorbidities and epileptiform discharges in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 148 children (aged 6-13) diagnosed with ADHD was studied.
• Electroencephalography (EEG) examinations were conducted during wakefulness and sleep.
• Statistical analysis, including odds ratios and confidence intervals, was used to determine predictive factors.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of epileptiform abnormalities was 26.4%, predominantly in frontal and centrotemporal regions.
• Speech sound disorder (OR 3.90) and higher Digit Span performance (OR 1.24) significantly predicted epileptiform abnormalities.
• A high co-occurrence (64%) of speech sound disorder was noted in subjects with rolandic spikes.

Conclusions:

• Speech sound disorder and enhanced cognitive performance on the Digit Span test are significant predictors of epileptiform abnormalities in children with ADHD.
• The findings suggest a potential genetic component influencing epileptiform abnormalities in a subset of ADHD cases.
• The pathophysiology of epileptiform abnormalities in ADHD likely involves complex genetic and maturational factors.