Neural dynamics for facilitating ADHD diagnosis in preschoolers: central and parietal delta synchronization in the Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to characterize children at risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at preschool age and provide early intervention. The continuous performance test (CPT) and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) can supplement valuable information to facilitate diagnosis. OBJECTIVE This study measured brain dynamics at varying task rates in the CPT using a wireless wearable EEG and identified correlations between the QEEG and CPT data in preschool children with ADHD. METHODS Forty-nine preschool children participated in this study, of which 29 were diagnosed with ADHD and 20 exhibited typical development (TD). Conners Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT) and wireless wearable EEG recordings were employed. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between the groups with ADHD and TD in task-related QEEG spectral powers (central delta, as well as posterior delta and beta , P < .01), which were distinct only in the slow-rate condition. A from resting to the CPT task condition induced a central posterior alpha power decrease in the ADHD group. In both resting and task conditions, the delta and theta power were positively correlated with the CPT perseveration scores, whereas the alpha and beta powers were negatively correlated with specific CPT scores mainly on perseveration and omission (P < . 01). CONCLUSIONS These results, which complement the findings of several other studies that have investigated within-task-related brain dynamics in preschoolers, can help specialists working on early intervention to plan training and educational programs for preschoolers with ADHD.