The quantified EEG characteristics of responders and non-responders to long-term treatment with atomoxetine in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders.
The aim of our study is to examine quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) differences between ADHD patients that are responders and non-responders to long-term treatment with Atomoxetine at baseline and after 6 and 12months of treatment. Patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) received atomoxetine titrated, over 7days, from 0.5 to 1.2mg/kg/day. QEEG and Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV Questionnaire (SNAP-IV) scores were recorded before treatment and after therapy.



Twenty minutes of eyes closed resting EEG was recorded from 19 electrodes referenced to linked earlobes. Full frequency and narrow band spectra of two minutes of artifact-free EEG were computed as well as source localization using Variable Resolution Electrical Tomography (VARETA). Abnormalities were identified using Z-spectra relative to normative values.



Patients were classified as responders, non-responders and partial responders based upon the SNAP-IV findings. At baseline, the responders showed increased absolute power in alpha and delta in frontal and temporal regions, whereas, non-responders showed increased absolute power in all frequency bands that was widely distributed. With treatment responders' absolute power values moved toward normal values, whereas, non-responders remained at baseline values.



Patients with increased power in the alpha band with no evidence of alterations in the beta or theta range, might be responders to treatment with atomoxetine. Increased power in the beta band coupled with increased alpha seems to be related to non-responders and one should consider atomoxetine withdrawal, especially if there is persistence of increased alpha and beta accompanied by an increase of theta.
Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Dept., Rho Hospital, Milan, Italy; International Center Learning, Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders (CIDAAI), Milan, Italy. Electronic address: giuseppe.chiarenza@fastwebnet.it.
Giuseppe Augusto
GA
Chiarenza
Brain Research Laboratories, Dept. Psychiatry, New York University, NY, United States.
Robert
R
Chabot
Brain Research Laboratories, Dept. Psychiatry, New York University, NY, United States.
Robert
R
Isenhart
Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Dept., Rho Hospital, Milan, Italy; International Center Learning, Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders (CIDAAI), Milan, Italy.
Luciano
L
Montaldi
International Center Learning, Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders (CIDAAI), Milan, Italy.
Marco Paolo
MP
Chiarenza
Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Dept., Rho Hospital, Milan, Italy; International Center Learning, Attention and Hyperactivity Disorders (CIDAAI), Milan, Italy.
Maria Grazia Lo
MG
Torto
Brain Research Laboratories, Dept. Psychiatry, New York University, NY, United States.
Leslie S
LS
Prichep
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001931:Brain Mapping; D058256:Brain Waves / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
ADHD; Atomoxetine; Non-responders; QEEG; Responders; VARETA