The quantified EEG characteristics of Responders and Non-Responders to long-term treatment with Atomoxetine in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders

Publication date: Available online 20 April 2016
Source:International Journal of Psychophysiology
Author(s): Giuseppe Augusto Chiarenza, Robert Chabot, Robert Isenhart, Luciano Montaldi, Marco Paolo Chiarenza, Maria Grazia Lo Torto, Leslie S. Prichep
Objective.The aim of our study is to examine quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) differences between ADHD patients that are Responders and Non-Responders to long-term treatment with Atomoxetine at baseline and after 6 and 12months of treatment. Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) received atomoxetine titrated, over 7days, from 0.5 to 1.2mg/kg/day. QEEG and Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham–IV Questionnaire (SNAP-IV) scores were recorded before treatment and after therapy.MethodsTwenty minutes of eyes closed resting EEG was recorded from 19 electrodes referenced to linked earlobes. Full frequency and narrow band spectra of two minutes of artifact-free EEG were computed as well as source localization using Variable Resolution Electrical Tomography (VARETA). Abnormalities were identified using Z-spectra relative to normative values.ResultsPatients were classified as responders, non-responders and partial responders based upon the SNAP-IV findings. At baseline, the responders showed increased absolute power in alpha and delta in frontal and temporal regions, whereas, non responders showed increased absolute power in all frequency bands that was widely distributed. With treatment responders' absolute power values moved toward normal values, whereas, non responders remained at baseline values.ConclusionsPatients with increased power in the alpha band with no evidence of alterations in the beta or theta range, might be responders to treatment with atomoxetine. Increased power in the beta band coupled with increased alpha seems to be related to non-responders and one should consider atomoxetine withdrawal, especially if there is persistence of increased alpha and beta accompanied by an increase of theta.



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