Quantitative EEG and Auditory Event-Related Potentials in the Evaluation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Effects of Methylphenidate and Implications for Neurofeedback Training

J. F. Lubar, M. O. Swartwood, J. N. Swartwood, D. L. Timmermann
University of Tennessee

Neurophysiological correlates of Attention Deficit Disorder with and without Hyperactivity (ADHD) and effects of methylphenidate are explored using electroencephalographic (EEG) and auditory eventrelated potentials (ERPs).

In the first of four studies, a database of ADHD individuals of varying ages and matched adolescent/adult controls is presented.

Study 2 compares controls and age-matched children with ADD, and children with ADHD on and off methylphenidate.

Study 3 examines habituation of the auditory ERPs of controls and children with ADHD both on and off methylphenidate.

The relationship between successful neurofeedback training and EEG changes is presented in Study 4.

Overall, these studies support a neurologic basis for ADHD and raise questions regarding the role of methylphenidate in modulating cortical processing.