title: EEG Brain Wave Activity at Rest and during Evoked Attention in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Effects of Methylphenidate.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess baseline EEG brain wave activity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to examine the effects of evoked attention and methylphenidate on this activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children with ADHD (n = 19) were tested while they were stimulant free and during a period in which they were on stimulant (methylphenidate) medication. Control subjects (n = 18) were tested once. EEG brain wave activity was tested both at baseline and during focussed attention. Attention was evoked and EEG brain wave activity was determined by means of the BioGraph Infiniti biofeedback apparatus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main finding of this study was that control subjects and stimulant-free children with ADHD exhibited the expected reactivity in high alpha-wave activity (11-12 Hz) from baseline to focussed attention; however, methylphenidate appeared to abolish this reactivity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Methylphenidate attenuates the normal cortical response to a cognitive challenge.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: Bianca Lee
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Margaretha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Viljoen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000513:Alpha Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate