According to a new study, the symptoms of ADHD in preschoolers can be most accurately evaluated using the combined measurements of EEG data, the Conners’ Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT), and the Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale (DBDRS).

The study included a group of 70 preschool students (38 with ADHD and 32 neurotypical) who were administered K-CPT and wireless EEG recordings in different conditions. The K-CPT is “a standardized task-oriented computerized modality that measures a child’s objective performance in terms of attention. EEGs, on the other hand, are increasingly considered the ideal device to obtain biomarkers for characterizing neurodevelopmental disorders.

New Findings Regarding ADHD & Preschoolers

The main findings from the study were as follows:

• A combination of DBDRS, K-CPT, and slow-rate, task-related central parietal EEG data provided the most precise validity for diagnosing ADHD in preschoolers.
• DBDRS scores from parents and teachers of preschool students with ADHD were high (indicating worse performance), as were K-CPT scores focused on reaction time, response time consistency and vigilance dimension.
• Slow-rate, task-related central parietal delta power synchronization was found to be a significant neural biomarker of ADHD in preschoolers.

Evidence suggests that DSM criteria can be applied to preschool children, but it can be difficult to obtain a robust behavioral history from observers who aren’t the parents. This study is the first to investigate the validity of a multi-method, multi-informant evaluation to differentiate ADHD from other conditions in preschool children. 

Identifying ADHD in preschoolers and providing behavioral training programs can yield long-term beneficial outcomes for those individuals and their families.

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Original article posted by ADDitude Mag.