Electrophysiological Changes in Patients with Pediatric Mental Disorders

Abstract

Background Electroencephalography (EEG) measures represent an important data source for a new quantitative science of macroscopic and microscopic cortical brain dynamics. Objective To record the central neuro- electrophysiological pattern in children with different types of pediatric mental disorders. Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, 100 children with different types of pediatric mental disorders [Autism (n = 30), ADHD (n = 30) and nocturnal enuresis (n = 40)] were evaluated from those under regular follow up at the Child Psychiatry Clinic, Children’s hospital, Ain Shams University. Full history, detailed psychiatric interview, psychometric assessment using specific scales according to the disorder, IQ assessment, EEG and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria for definitive diagnose of each disorder were assessed. Results The enrolled children age ranged between 5-16 years with a mean value of 9.09 ±2.49 years, and 74 were males. Eleven children had history of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission.IQ ranged from 27 to 101 with a mean value of 78.92 ± 16.29 SD. Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) for children with Autism ranged from 30 to 47 with a mean value of 35.53 ± 3.42 SD. The Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale for children with ADHD ranged from 61 to 78 with a mean value of 68.63 ± 4.66 SD. Only 5 children had epileptogenic activity in the EEG [autism (n = 3), ADHD(n = 1), nocturnal enuresis(n = 1)] with a (P-value= 0.362). In addition, history of NICU admission showed association with subsequent development of pediatric mental disorders (P-value =0.015). Furthermore, developmental history had association with pediatric mental disorder (Pvalue =0.00). Conclusion We observed a non-significant association between EEG changes and pediatric mental disorders. However, this study showed a significant association between NICU admission and subsequent development of pediatric mental disorders.