Is the Theta/Beta EEG Marker for ADHD Inherently Flawed?
- PMID: 25823742
- DOI: 10.1177/1087054715578270
Is the Theta/Beta EEG Marker for ADHD Inherently Flawed?
Abstract
Objective: Despite advances in our understanding of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder, robust biomarkers are yet to be established in clinical practice. More than 40 years of electroencephalography (EEG)-based research has culminated in the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the theta/beta (EEG power) ratio (TBR) as a diagnostic marker of ADHD.
Method: This review article focuses on resting-state EEG power research in ADHD.
Results: Inconsistent findings in the literature and suggestions of reduced specificity threaten the utility of TBR as a biomarker of ADHD. The use of fixed EEG bands may be a significant limitation, particularly in youth, and alternative approaches are needed.
Conclusion: We propose that a personalized theta-to-alpha cut point or "transition frequency" is a better frame of reference for the measurement of TBR. Such an approach is better placed to test maturational lag and cortical hypoarousal models of ADHD and may in turn have greater utility in supporting diagnosis.
Keywords: ADHD; EEG power; FDA approval; cortical hypoarousal; theta/beta ratio.
Similar articles
-
Use of EEG Beta-1 Power and Theta/Beta Ratio Over Broca's Area to confirm Diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children.Clin EEG Neurosci. 2015 Jul;46(3):177-82. doi: 10.1177/1550059414527284. Epub 2014 Jun 26. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2015. PMID: 24973230 Clinical Trial.
-
Quantitative EEG in Children and Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Comparison of Absolute and Relative Power Spectra and Theta/Beta Ratio.Clin EEG Neurosci. 2017 Jan;48(1):20-32. doi: 10.1177/1550059416643824. Epub 2016 May 11. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2017. PMID: 27170672
-
Electroencephalographic activity before and after cognitive effort in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Clin EEG Neurosci. 2015 Apr;46(2):88-93. doi: 10.1177/1550059414553244. Epub 2014 Oct 17. Clin EEG Neurosci. 2015. PMID: 25326289
-
Clinical utility of EEG in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a research update.Neurotherapeutics. 2012 Jul;9(3):569-87. doi: 10.1007/s13311-012-0131-z. Neurotherapeutics. 2012. PMID: 22814935 Free PMC article. Review.
-
Can electroencephalography (EEG) identify ADHD subtypes? A systematic review.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2022 Aug;139:104752. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104752. Epub 2022 Jun 26. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2022. PMID: 35760387 Review.
Cited by
-
Theta/beta ratio in EEG correlated with attentional capacity assessed by Conners Continuous Performance Test in children with ADHD.Front Psychiatry. 2024 Jan 19;14:1305397. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1305397. eCollection 2023. Front Psychiatry. 2024. PMID: 38312917 Free PMC article.
-
Rhythmic Attention and ADHD: A Narrative and Systematic Review.Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2024 Jun;49(2):185-204. doi: 10.1007/s10484-023-09618-x. Epub 2024 Jan 10. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2024. PMID: 38198019
-
Longitudinal Stability of Neural Correlates of Pediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study of Event Related Potentials and Electroencephalography.J Atten Disord. 2024 Feb;28(4):493-511. doi: 10.1177/10870547231214983. Epub 2023 Dec 28. J Atten Disord. 2024. PMID: 38152891
-
Temporal spectral evolution of pre-stimulus brain activity in visual and visuomotor tasks.Cogn Neurodyn. 2023 Dec;17(6):1433-1446. doi: 10.1007/s11571-022-09910-2. Epub 2022 Nov 30. Cogn Neurodyn. 2023. PMID: 37969946 Free PMC article.
-
Superior Vena Cava Flow in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.Psychiatry Investig. 2023 Sep;20(9):888-895. doi: 10.30773/pi.2023.0162. Epub 2023 Sep 19. Psychiatry Investig. 2023. PMID: 37794671 Free PMC article.
Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical
