Comparison of Relation between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with and without Simple Febrile Seizure Admitted in Arak Central Iran
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Bahman Salehi1, Parsa Yousefichaijan2, Smira Safi Arian3
1Psychiatric Department, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
Insights
Febrile seizures in children are linked to a higher incidence of hyperactivity disorder, particularly in males. Early diagnosis and management are recommended for children with a history of febrile seizures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Febrile seizures are common childhood convulsions, often starting between 14-18 months.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity.
- The relationship between febrile seizures and ADHD is debated, with conflicting research findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between febrile seizures and ADHD in children.
- To compare the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in children with and without a history of febrile seizures.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive-analytic study comparing 103 children aged 3-12 with febrile seizures to 103 controls without febrile seizures.
- Children were assessed for ADHD using DSM-IV criteria.
- Exclusion criteria included other physical or psychological disorders.
Main Results:
- Hyperactivity disorder was present in 34.3% of the control group and 16.7% of the febrile seizure group.
- A significant association was found between simple febrile seizures and hyperactivity.
Conclusions:
- Hyperactivity shows a significant relationship with febrile seizures, especially in males.
- Further investigation is warranted for early diagnosis and management in male children with a history of febrile seizures.
Objective:
Febrile seizure is one of the most prevalent childhood convulsions with the most common age of onset at 14-18 mo old. Fever decreases the brain threshold for seizure. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also a neurologic-behavioral problem defined by attention deficit and hyperactivity according to DSM-IV criteria in which the child must have these signs in two different environments. There is controversy on the possible relation between febrile seizure and ADHD; while some studies approve a strong relation, some exclude any relation and some attribute ADHD to the side effects of other reasons.
Materials & Methods:
This descriptive-analytic study enrolled all children of 3-12 yr old with febrile seizure (according to Nelson Pediatrics Textbook diagnosed by the pediatrician in charge) referring to Amir Kabir Hospital, Arak, central Iran in 2010-2011. Overall, 103 of them with no corporeal or psychological disorder (like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and other CNS maternal disease) were compared to 103 children of the same age and gender admitted due to disease other than febrile seizure utilizing DSM IV criteria for ADHD. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.
Results:
The hyperactivity disorder in the control and case group was 34.3% and 16.7%, respectively, denoted a significant relation between simple febrile seizure and hyperactivity.
Conclusion:
Hyperactivity has a significant relation with febrile seizure in male gender, making further investigation in these children prudent for early diagnosis and management.
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