The utility of quantitative electroencephalography and Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test as auxiliary tools for the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the clinical utility of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA + CPT) as auxiliary tools for assessing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: All of 157 subjects were assessed using the Korean version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV (DISC-IV). We measured EGG absolute power in 21 channels and conducted IVA + CPT. We analyzed QEEG according to the Hz range: delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), slow alpha (8-10 Hz), fast alpha (10-13.5 Hz), and beta (13.5-30 Hz). To remove artifacts, independent component analysis was conducted (ICA), and the tester confirmed the results again. Results: All of the IVA + CPT quotients showed significant differences between the ADHD and control groups. The ADHD group showed significantly increased delta and theta activity compared with the control group. The z-scores of theta were negatively correlated with the scores of IVA + CPT in ADHD combined type, and those of beta were positively correlated. Conclusions: IVA + CPT and QEEG significantly discriminated between ADHD and control groups. The commission error of IVA + CPT showed an accuracy of 82.1%, and the omission error of IVA + CPT showed an accuracy of 78.6%. Significance: The IVA + CPT and QEEG are expected to be valuable tools for aiding ADHD diagnosis accurately. (C) 2014 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.