Lithium treatment of aggressive children and the EEG

Electroencephalograms (EEG-s) of 44 children aged 6.3--15.4 years were examined at the baseline and 3 months later with two different doses of lithium. Lithium levels in serum in group I. ranged from 0.08 mmol/l to 0.33 mmol/l (mean: 0.23 mmol/l SD: 0.105), and in group II. ranged from 0.40 mmol/l to 0.84 mmol/l (mean: 0.555 mmol/l SD: 0.116). These children represent as Conduct Disorder. EEG-s were correlated across treatment groups with behavioural ratings, ratings of untoward effects, reaction time and different dosages of medication. In the group I. alpha-recovery time after-eye closing and percentage time of alpha activity in 60 s decreased at unchanged mean alpha frequency. In the group II. both alpha recovery time and alpha activity increased at unchanged mean alpha frequency. Paroxysmal focal abnormalities (spikes, spike-waves etc.) or increase in percentage time of delta activity were not found. Behavioural changes were assessed by using the Pictures Frustration Test for Children of Rosenzweig and the Hamburg Personality Inventory for Children. The group II. were found to be significantly superior to group I. in decreasing aggressive symptoms. No serious differences were found for the reaction time and side effects as well.