The quantified EEG characteristics of responders and non-responders to long-term treatment with atomoxetine in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders
STS Instructor Authored by Giuseppe A. Chiarenza
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Study at a glance
- Area
- ADHD & Attention
- Study type
- Observational study
- Authors
- Chiarenza GA, Chabot R, Isenhart R, Montaldi L, Chiarenza MP, Lo Torto MG, Prichep LS
- Journal
- International Journal of Psychophysiology
- Year
- 2016
- Population
- Children
- Protocol
- 20-min eyes-closed resting QEEG (19 channels, linked ears) with normative Z-spectra and VARETA source analysis at baseline, 6 and 12 months
Key findings
- Responders had raised frontal and temporal alpha and delta power at baseline
- Responders' EEG power shifted toward normative values with treatment; non-responders' did not
- Excess alpha without beta or theta changes may predict a good response to atomoxetine
- Excess beta together with alpha (especially with rising theta) was linked to non-response
Children with ADHD were treated with the non-stimulant medication atomoxetine, and their resting QEEG and symptom ratings were recorded before treatment and again after 6 and 12 months. EEG power was compared with normative values and sources were estimated, and children were grouped as responders, partial responders or non-responders according to their rating-scale change. Responders started with excess alpha and delta power mainly over frontal and temporal areas, which moved toward normal with treatment, while non-responders showed widespread excess power in all bands that did not change.