Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents With Epilepsy
Karen L Kwong1, David Lam1, Sarah Tsui1
1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Pediatric Neurology
|February 3, 2016
Summary
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more common in adolescents with epilepsy. Early screening for ADHD symptoms is crucial for managing epilepsy in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychiatry
- Epileptology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children and adolescents.
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
- The co-occurrence of epilepsy and ADHD in adolescents warrants further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ADHD in adolescents with epilepsy.
- To explore the association between ADHD symptoms and seizure-related variables.
- To examine sociodemographic factors influencing ADHD in adolescents with epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- The Strengths and Weakness of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Normal Behaviors (SWAN) rating scale was used.
- 122 adolescents with epilepsy and 50 with asthma (ages 10-18) participated.
- Participants attended mainstream schools.
Main Results:
- ADHD was diagnosed in 23.7% of adolescents with epilepsy versus 10% with asthma (P=0.037).
- Adolescents with epilepsy showed higher inattention scores (P=0.049).
- Medical comorbidities (OR=12.82) and earlier seizure onset (OR=0.73) were independent risk factors for ADHD.
Conclusions:
- ADHD is significantly overrepresented in adolescents with epilepsy.
- Screening for ADHD symptoms should be integrated into the routine management of adolescents with epilepsy.
- Targeted interventions may improve outcomes for adolescents with co-occurring epilepsy and ADHD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
1.3K
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.3K
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
1.6K
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
1.6K
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
1.2K
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
1.2K
01:13Seizures: Classification
2.1K
Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
2.1K
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
1.1K
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
1.1K
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
943
Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
943