An EEG Study of Children With and Without ADHD Symptoms: Between-Group Differences and Associations With Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: We examined differences between those with and without ADHD symptoms on resting state electroencephalography (EEG) indices and unique relations with sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptoms.

METHOD: Children with ADHD symptoms ( n = 21) and healthy controls ( n = 20) were assessed using rating scales, a neuropsychological task measuring sustained attention and inhibitory control, and EEG activity during a resting state period. Between-group, correlational, and regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS: Large differences (particularly for theta/beta ratio in frontal and frontocentral regions) were found on EEG measures between those with and without ADHD symptoms. While ADHD and SCT symptoms both related to sustained attention on a computerized task, only ADHD symptoms were related to frontal and frontocentral theta/beta ratio.

CONCLUSION: Results support the conclusion that ADHD symptoms are strongly associated with theta/beta ratio in frontal and frontocentral regions. Future studies should explore unique neurophysiological correlates of SCT.