Electroencephalogram activity in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to apply an evidence-based pharmacotherapy on different groups of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients monitored by electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after 6 months of treatment and to estimate the prevalence of ADHD in a sample of Egyptian governorates (Kafr El Sheik and Menoufia neuropsychiatric clinics). It also aimed to detect the neurobiological basis of ADHD children using EEG.BackgroundADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated psychiatric disorders in childhood.Patients and methodA randomized, clinical trial was conducted on 30 children attending our neuropsychiatric outpatient clinic, screened from 255 children diagnostic through Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th ed. and Kiddie-Schedule For Affective Disorders And Schizophrenia-Present And Lifetime Version. Psychiatry, Mental Health, (KSADS-PL) scale screening. Then the patients were divided into two equal groups. The first group received the drug Strattera (Eli Lilly Company) at a dose of (0.5: 1.2 mg/kg/day) only. The second group received Concerta (Alza Corporation) at a dose of (18 mg/day). Another 30 children are randomly allocated to control groups (30 children in each). Full history taking and complete clinical examination were done. KSADS-PL rating scale was assessed at baseline and then 6 months after treatment. EEG monitoring of children before and after treatment.ResultsIn this study we found that the score of the KSADS-PL rating scale was significantly decreased in ADHD patients after treatment in both pharmacotherapy groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in EEG between both ADHD children before and after treatment.ConclusionPharmacotherapy using drugs as concerta and stratera has beneficial effects in reducing ADHD symptom severity