Key issues in addressing the comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and pediatric epilepsy.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity of epilepsy encountered by clinicians. However, relatively little information is available to guide optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies. Differentiating ADHD from effects of epilepsy requires careful history taking and emphasis upon characteristic symptoms and course of illness. Rating scales for ADHD are well validated and may aid clinical management. Use of antiepileptic drugs may cause cognitive or behavioral side effects yet may improve behavior in some cases. Historically, clinicians have been hesitant to treat ADHD comorbidity for fear of lowering the seizure threshold. However, an aggregate of recent evidence now suggests that stimulants may be well tolerated and effective for ADHD comorbid with epilepsy. Studies that further clarify pathophysiology and treatment outcomes are needed in order to enhance clinical efficacy and quality of life for this population.
Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA. Electronic address: doctorjay911@gmail.com.
Jay A
JA
Salpekar
Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
Gaurav
G
Mishra
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants
ADHD; Diagnosis; Epilepsy; Pediatrics; Treatment