EEG brain mapping and brain connectivity index for subtypes classification of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children during the eye-opened period

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders. It is classified by the DSM-IV into three subtypes, i.e. 1) predominately inattentive type, 2) predominately hyperactive-impulsive type, and (3) combined type. In order to make the treatment via the neurofeedback or the occupational therapy, quantitative evaluations as well as ADHD subtype classification are the important problems to be solved to enhance an alternative way to treat ADHD. Hence, in this paper, we systematically classify all of these three subtypes by the 19-channel EEG data. Three brain mapping (QEEG) techniques, i.e. absolute power of frequency bands, coherence, and phase lag, are employed to visualize each type of the ADHD. ADHD children with combined type have deficit in delta theta and alpha activity. For the inattentive type, there are excessive delta and theta absolute power in the frontal area as well as the excessive coherence in beta and high beta frequency bands. For the hyperactivity and impulsive type, the behavior is dominated by the slow wave. This information will give benefits to the psychiatrist, psychologist, neurofeedback therapist as well as the occupational therapist for quantitatively planning and analyzing the treatment. © 2013 IEEE.