The Course of ADHD Symptoms in Children with New Onset Seizures.
Abstract number :
2.191
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
1955
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
J.P. Williams, PhD, Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR; B. Lange, MD, Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR; T. Phillips, MD, Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences,
RATIONALE: Children with new onset seizures have been found to exhibit a higher than expected level of ADHD symptoms at the time of diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the course of these symptoms following treatment for epilepsy and to examine possible risk factors for occurrence and change in ADHD symptoms.
METHODS: Subjects were 42 children (mean age = 10 yrs, 4 mos) with new onset seizures. Parents of the children were administered the Attention Deficit Disorder Evaluation Scale-Home Version (ADDES-HV) at the time of diagnosis. The ADDES-HV was readministered following 6 months of anticonvulsant treatment when the children had well-controlled seizures, were on monotherapy, and had no evidence of anticonvulsant toxicity.
RESULTS: At baseline, 13 children (31%) had significant symptoms of inattention and 13 (31%) had significant symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Eight children (19%) had combined scores within the clinical range. At follow-up, 11 children (27%) had symptoms of inattention and 10 children (24%) had symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Eight children (19%) had combined scores in the clinical range. Pre-post differences were not significant. Logistic regression did not suggest predictors of children who were at risk for these symptoms at baseline. Abnormal MRI was associated (p [lt] .01) with increased hyperactivity/impulsive behavior at follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: A disproportionate number of children with new onset epilepsy were found to exhibit ADHD symptoms based on parent report. Although some children experienced diminished symptoms following anticonvulsant treatment, the overall occurrence of ADHD symptoms remained high. Risk factors for ADHD symptoms at baseline were not evident, but an abnormal MRI was associated with increased hyperactivity/impulsivity at follow-up.