Epileptiform abnormalities in children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

The frequency of epileptiform abnormalities (EAs) and correlates of EAs in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was investigated in a retrospective study. The total sample consisted of 607 children with ADHD from the only center diagnosing and treating ADHD in the region. EEGs were obtained in 517 cases, and EAs were found in 39 (7.5%) children. Of these, 21(53.9%) showed generalized EAs, 16 (41%) had focal EAs, and 2 (5.1%) had both. Rolandic spikes were observed in 9 cases (1.7% of the total group). A previous history of epileptic seizures was reported in 14 (2.5%) children, and was more common in those with EAs than in those without. The group with ADHD and EAs had a larger proportion of girls and the ADHD inattentive subtype, independent of a history of epilepsy. Future research should focus on the clinical consequences of EAs in children with ADHD.

Research Highlights
► The frequency of epileptiform abnormalites (EAs) were examined in 517 ADHD children.
► If we excluded patients with previous epilepsy the frequency of EAs was 5.4%.
► The group with EA had a higher proportion with girls and the ADHD inattentive type.
► It was independent of a previous history of epilepsy.