The resting electrophysiological profile in adults with ADHD and comorbid dysfunctional anger: a pilot study.
Although dysfunctional anger is not a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision [DSM-IV-TR]) diagnosis, it sometimes presents as a primary clinical complaint and as a comorbid feature in a subset of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). No known studies have examined electroencephalographic (EEG) profiles in adults with comorbid dysfunctional anger and ADHD (ADHD + anger). Resting EEG was recorded in 14 ADHD + anger adults (11 males) and 14 controls. Relative power was assessed at standard frequencies, as was frontal absolute α power asymmetry. A modest increase was noted in β1 power in the ADHD + anger group. Unexpectedly, relatively decreased left (or increased right) frontocortical activity (α assessed) was noted in the ADHD + anger group, which was also characterized by a more diffuse θ/β ratio scalp distribution. Nonmedicated ADHD + anger adults exhibited modest resting cortical hyperarousal, consistent with the findings in a subset of children with ADHD characterized by anger-associated problems. The unexpected frontal α asymmetry may reflect enhanced activity of frontal inhibitory mechanisms.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. natalia.jaworska@theroyal.ca
Natalia
N
Jaworska
Lindsay
L
Berrigan
Adekunle Garba
AG
Ahmed
Johnathan
J
Gray
Athanassia
A
Korovessis
Derek James
DJ
Fisher
John
J
Bradford
Paul
P
Federoff
Verner Joseph
VJ
Knott
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000786:Anger / Q000502:physiology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012146:Rest
adults; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); dysfunctional anger; electroencephalogram (EEG)