Visual event related potentials after methylphenidate and sodium valproate in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
We divided a group of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) boys into two groups determined by the results of EEG and visual ERP tests--those who had excessive EEG background slowing, EEG epileptiform activity or abnormally high amplitude ERP waves (the "E-ADD" group), and those with normal EEG and ERP (the "ADD" group). The subjects of each group were then given either a dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin, MPH), sodium valproate (Depakene, VPA) or placebo, and repeated visual ERPs one hour later. Following both medications there was a significant suppression of the amplitude of the N3, the "slow negative" wave of the ERP, in the E-ADD group but not in the ADD group. The effect of VPA and MPH in ADHD children may be related to the electrophysiological (EEG, ERP) background. Both medications may have a similar effect on arousal processes in ADHD.
Frank
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Department of Neurology, North Shore University Hospital, Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, New York 11030.
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008774:Methylphenidate; D014635:Valproic Acid