Atypical frontal brain activation in ADHD: Preschool and elementary school boys and girls

Author(s): Laucht, M., Schmidt, M. H.

Journal/Book: J Amer Acad Child Adolesc Psy. 1999; 38: 227 East Washington Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 1363-1371.

Abstract: Objective: To investigate patterns of frontal brain activation in unmedicated preschool and school boys and girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Baseline electroencephalographic activity of 117 children (66 aged 4 years, 51 aged 8 years) was subjected to power spectral analysis, and laterality scores were determined. Results: Boys with ADHD exhibited a less right-lateralized frontal activation pattern than normal control boys. Girls with ADHD displayed a more right-lateralized frontal activation pattern than normal control girls. This finding applied to children at both 4 1/2 and 8 years of age. There was no difference between children with ADHD and children with ADHD plus oppositional defiant disorder. Conclusions: This pattern of frontal brain activation is in line with magnetic resonance imaging studies of ADHD. It could be demonstrated in children as young as 4 1/2 years, as well as in school-age children. The opposite direction of asymmetry in boys and girls stresses the importance of gender-specific analyses in ADHD.

Note: Article Baving L, Cent Inst Mental Hlth, Dept Child & Adolescent Psychiat & Psychotherapy, POB 12 21 20, D-68072 Mannheim, GERMANY

Keyword(s): attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; frontal brain; electroencephalography; gender; ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY; CEREBRAL GLUCOSE-METABOLISM; DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER; ELECTRICAL-ACTIVITY; CHILDREN; ASYMMETRY; AGE; MODULATION; ADULTS

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