The Resting Electrophysiological Profile in Adults With ADHD and Comorbid Dysfunctional Anger: A Pilot Study

• Published in: Clinical EEG and neuroscience 2013-04, Vol.44 (2), p.95-104
• Main Authors: Jaworska, Natalia, Berrigan, Lindsay, Ahmed, Adekunle Garba, Gray, Johnathan, Korovessis, Athanassia, Fisher, Derek James, Bradford, John, Federoff, Paul, Knott, Verner Joseph
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anger; Anger - physiology; Asymmetry; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - physiopathology; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Behavior; Case-Control Studies; Comorbidity; Electroencephalography; Female; Humans; Hyperactivity; Male; Pilot Projects; Ratios; Rest; Studies
• ISSN: 1550-0594; 2169-5202
• DOI: 10.1177/1550059412465607

Although dysfunctional anger is not a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision [DSM-IV-TR]) diagnosis, it sometimes presents as a primary clinical complaint and as a comorbid feature in a subset of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). No known studies have examined electroencephalographic (EEG) profiles in adults with comorbid dysfunctional anger and ADHD (ADHD + anger). Resting EEG was recorded in 14 ADHD + anger adults (11 males) and 14 controls. Relative power was assessed at standard frequencies, as was frontal absolute α power asymmetry. A modest increase was noted in β1 power in the ADHD + anger group. Unexpectedly, relatively decreased left (or increased right) frontocortical activity (α assessed) was noted in the ADHD + anger group, which was also characterized by a more diffuse θ/β ratio scalp distribution. Nonmedicated ADHD + anger adults exhibited modest resting cortical hyperarousal, consistent with the findings in a subset of children with ADHD characterized by anger-associated problems. The unexpected frontal α asymmetry may reflect enhanced activity of frontal inhibitory mechanisms.