Increased EEG power density in alpha and theta bands in adult ADHD patients

This study examined EEG abnormalities in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated EEG frequencies in 34 adults with ADHD and 34 control subjects. Two EEG readings were taken over 5 min intervals during an eyes-closed resting period with 21 electrodes placed in acc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Neural Transmission 2009, Vol.116 (1), p.97-104
Main Authors: Koehler, S., Lauer, P., Schreppel, T., Jacob, C., Heine, M., Boreatti-Hümmer, A., Fallgatter, A. J., Herrmann, M. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Alpha Rhythm
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - pathology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - physiopathology
Biological Psychiatry - Original Article
Brain - physiopathology
Brain Mapping
Electroencephalography - methods
Female
Humans
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Neurology
Neurosciences
Psychiatry
Sex Factors
Statistics as Topic
Theta Rhythm
Time Factors
Young Adult
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Summary:This study examined EEG abnormalities in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated EEG frequencies in 34 adults with ADHD and 34 control subjects. Two EEG readings were taken over 5 min intervals during an eyes-closed resting period with 21 electrodes placed in accordance with the international 10–20 system. Fourier transformation was performed to obtain absolute power density in delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. The ADHD patients showed a significant increase of absolute power density in alpha and theta bands. No differences were found for beta activity. Our findings indicate that abnormalities in the EEG power spectrum of adults with ADHD are different than those described in children. Reliable discriminators between patients and healthy subjects in adulthood could be alpha and theta power density. Based on our results, we suggest further research involving longitudinal studies in ADHD patients to investigate the changes of EEG abnormalities with age.
ISSN:0300-9564
1435-1463
DOI:10.1007/s00702-008-0157-x