Childhood EEG as a predictor of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether EEG differences exist between children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) who later outgrow the disorder and those who continue to be symptomatic as adults. Methods Thirty-eight boys, diagnosed with AD/HD as children, were reassessed 11 years later to determine who met criteria for adult AD/HD. At the childhood assessment, an EEG was recorded from the AD/HD group and a control group, during an eyes-closed resting condition. This was analysed for absolute and relative power in the delta, theta, alpha and beta bands, and the theta/beta ratio. Results At the childhood assessment, the AD/HD group had an EEG profile typical of the disorder, with increased absolute and relative theta, reduced relative alpha, and increased theta/beta ratio. EEG differences were found between those who outgrew the disorder and those who did not – the adult AD/HD group had greater childhood global relative beta, reduced frontal relative theta, and increased frontal absolute and relative beta. Conclusions These results suggest the existence of specific CNS differences in childhood AD/HD that may be used to predict the developmental course of the disorder. Significance This is the first study to investigate childhood EEG markers of adult AD/HD.