The quantitative EEG theta/beta ratio in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and normal controls: Sensitivity, specificity, and behavioral correlates

The purpose of the present study was to determine if the theta/beta ratio, and theta and beta separately, correlate with behavioral parameters, and if these measures discriminate between children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and normal gender- and age-matched controls. Participants comprised 62 patients and 39 controls. A continuous performance test (CPT), a GO/NOGO test and two rating scales were used to measure behavior in the patient group. EEG spectra were analyzed in eyes-closed and eyes-opened conditions, and in a GO/NOGO task in both groups. Neither the theta/beta ratio at CZ, nor theta and beta separately, discriminated significantly between patients and controls. When each person was compared with the database, significant elevations of theta were found in 25.8% of the patients and in only one control subject (2.6%). In the ADHD group, theta at CZ was positively correlated with inattention and executive problems and negatively correlated with hyperactivity/impulsivity. Beta correlated with good attention level in the control group, but with ADHD symptoms in the patients. Omission errors in the GO/NOGO test discriminated between patients and controls with an accuracy of 85%. For theta at CZ, the accuracy was 62%. Significantly elevated theta characterized a subgroup of ADHD patients, and correlated with inattention and executive problems.