Regional Contribution in Electrophysiological-Based Classifications of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Using Machine Learning

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition in children and is characterized by challenges in maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Despite ongoing research, we still do not fully understand what causes ADHD. Electroencephalography (EEG) has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating ADHD-related neural patterns due to its high temporal resolution and non-invasiveness. This study aims to contribute to diagnostic accuracy by leveraging EEG data to classify children with ADHD and healthy controls. We used a dataset containing EEG recordings from 60 children with ADHD and 60 healthy controls. The EEG data were captured during cognitive tasks and comprised signals from 19 channels across the scalp. Our primary objective was to develop a machine learning model capable of distinguishing ADHD subjects from controls using EEG data as discriminatory features. We employed several well-known classifiers, including a support vector machine, random forest, decision tree, AdaBoost, Naive Bayes, and linear discriminant analysis, to discern distinctive EEG patterns. To further enhance classification accuracy, we explored the impact of regional data on the classification outcomes. We arranged the EEG data according to the brain regions from which they were derived (namely frontal, temporal, central, parietal, and occipital) and examined their collective effects on the accuracy of our classifications. Notably, we considered combinations of three regions at a time and found that certain combinations led to enhanced accuracy. Our findings underscore the potential of EEG-based classification in distinguishing children with ADHD from healthy controls. The Naive Bayes classifier yielded the highest accuracy (84%) when applied to specific region combinations. Moreover, we evaluated the classification performance based on hemisphere-specific EEG data and found promising results, particularly when using the right hemisphere region channels.