Electroencephalogram diagnosis and biofeedback treatment for the child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Yanling LI; Yanqing TANG; Bing LIU; Shengyi LONG; Gang SUN; Lihong SHEN; Jing SUN

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The concern over the use of electroencephalogram (EEG)diagnosis and biofeedback training as a viable option for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) has grown gradually.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy of A620 EEG system to ADHD children.

DESIGN:

Prospective observation and comparative study on ADHD children.

SETTING:

Psychological department of a municipal hospital.

PARTICIPANTS:

From October 2003 to May 2004, 113 outpatient children in Psychology Hyperactivity Department of the Central Hospital of Anshan City were selected. Inclusion criteria 6 to 14-year-old outpatient children in Hyperactivity Department. Exclusion criteria nervous system organic diseases, pervasive developmental disorder(PDD), mental retardation, epilepsy, psychotic disorder, acoustical and visual abnormalities,etc. Of all the ADHD children, 88 were male and 25 were female, with the mean age of(10 ± 3) years.

METHODS:

A620 EEG system was applied to examine the 113 participants. According to the Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-Ⅳ), published by American Psychiatry Association, ADHD children were diagnosed and then the EEG diagnostic accuracy and specificity were calculated. The System was also used for biofeedback treatment on 27 ADHD children. Fluctuation of EEG θ/β value was measured both before and after treatment, and the change of hyperactivity index was investigated by Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire as well.MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

EEG θ/β value, Conners index of hyperactivity (CIH).

RESULTS:

The diagnostic sensitivity of EEG on ADHD was 83.58%, and the specificity of it was 82.61%; EEB θ/β value of post-treatment was 8.26 ±4.05, which decreased significantly compared with pre-treatment value (12.38 ± 7.96) ( t = 2. 39, P ＜ 0.05); CIH was also dramatically declined from(24. 73 ± 10. 96) (pre-treatment) to( 12.05 ± 8.63)(post-treatment) ( t= 4.72, P ＜ 0. 01 ).

CONCLUSION:

EEG can be used as an accessory method in ADHD diagnosis due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Abnormalities of brainwave and hyperactivities of ADHD patients can be greatly ameliorated by EEGbiofeedback treatment.