Affiliations: [a] Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA | [b] Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Mary C. Kral, Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, 135 Rutledge Avenue, MSC 567, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. Tel.: +1 843 876 1503; Fax: +1 843 876 1518; E-mail:[email protected]
Abstract: PURPOSE: To further characterize
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a clinic-referred sample
of youth with epilepsy. METHODS: Children and adolescents with epilepsy who were
referred for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation comprised the
sample. Data were obtained via archival record review. Youth with epilepsy
were grouped according to ADHD diagnosis (no ADHD, ADHD - Combined Type,
and ADHD - Predominantly Inattentive Type) and compared for a number of
neurocognitive variables, seizure-related variables, and parent and teacher
completed behavior rating scale variables. Data was examined via analysis of
variance and logistic regression models with post hoc pairwise comparisons,
employing Tukey procedure where appropriate. RESULTS: Youth in this clinical case series (N = 204)
demonstrated a high rate of ADHD diagnosis. ADHD - Combined Type was
identified with slightly greater frequency than ADHD - Predominantly
Inattentive Type. Age of seizure onset, seizure classification, and seizure
frequency did not differ significantly between the groups. The groups also
did not differ on most cognitive variables examined. Significant group
differences were found for parent and teacher completed behavior rating
scales assessing inattention, hyperactivity, and executive dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Screening for ADHD in youth with epilepsy is
important as these symptoms can significantly interfere with rehabilitative
efforts. Behavior rating scales may be the most efficient and cost effective
way to identify ADHD in youth with epilepsy.
