Altered cortical activity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during attentional load task.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether cortical activity recorded during attentional load in children with ADHD is different compared with controls.


METHODS
Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) was performed at open eyes and during performance of the Continuous Performance Task.


RESULTS
Children with ADHD showed an altered pattern of QEEG activity, especially during the attentional load task, with increased slow cortical activity (mainly over the frontal areas) and decreased fast cortical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate a different arousal level in children with ADHD, which could be due to a delay in functional cortical maturation. To evaluate the clinical importance of these findings, a longitudinal follow-up will be conducted.
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Woman and Child Health, Astrid Lindgren's Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Eman.El-Sayed@kbh.ki.se
Eman
E
El-Sayed
Jan-Olov
JO
Larsson
Hans E
HE
Persson
Per-Anders
PA
Rydelius
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D014888:Wechsler Scales