Quantitative electroencephalography – A promising biomarker in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Experimental studies have reported increased theta activity and reduced beta activity on electroencephalography (EEG), although theta wave tends to appear during meditative, drowsy, hypnotic, or sleeping states. Aims: We aimed to study EEG changes in children with significant severity of ADHD. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was designed for the children with ADHD presenting to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Department (OPD) of IHBAS. Methodology: A total of 33 ADHD children in the age group of 5–12 years attending OPD were included in the study after qualifying the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. DSM-5 criteria were used to make the diagnosis of ADHD and severity was assessed using Conners' Rating Scale-Revised Parent short version. The children with more than 50% score on the Conners Scale were included in the study. The quantification of the recorded EEG was done using Fast Fourier Transformation by New Natus NeuroWorks computer software. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Around 3/4th of participants in the study showed elevated theta: beta ratio results on qEEG. Conclusions: Although ADHD is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, children with ADHD showed marked elevated theta: beta ratio indicating raised slow-wave changes in cortical activity, thus concluding quantitative EEG as a promising biomarker in children with ADHD.