Effectiveness of carbamazepine in treatment of ADHD in children with EEG abnormalities

الملخص EN

Background: Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.

Abnormal electrophysiological findings with no clinical epilepsy is a common finding in ADHD as compared to normal children.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of carbamazepine (CBZ) in ADHD children who have abnormal EEG findings.

Methods: Fifteen drug naive ADHD children (13 boys, 2 girls; mean age, 6.62 years; range 4- 10) with EEG abnormalities but no dinical seizures were included.

Cases with comorbid developmental or mental disturbances other than specific learning disability were excluded.

All were treated with carbamazepine (mean dose 5 mg/ kg/ day).

They were followed up through a period of 8 weeks for symptom improvement and occurrence of side effects.

Improvement was measured using the parents form ADHD rating scale 4; before and after CBZ treatment.

Complete Wood count and liver enzyme assessment were performed before and after carbamazepine treatment.

Results: There was statistically significant improvement in mean ADHD rating scale scores specifically in the domains of inattention and combined symptoms while there was no improvement in hyperactivity scores Reported side effects were mild abdominal discomfort in 2 cases and sedation in 3 cases.

No dermatological, hematological or hepatic side effects were reported and no cases had elevated liver enzymes.

Conclusion: Low dose carbamazepine can be a well-tolerated and effective treatment in some cases of ADHD associated with abnormal EEG findings.