Behavior problems in children with epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Central China.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with epilepsy in Central China and compare the behavioral problems in children with epilepsy combined with and without ADHD. Children with epilepsy aged between 6 and 16 years were recruited for this study. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria were administered for the diagnosis of ADHD and ADHD subtype in children with epilepsy. Children Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was administered by trained research assistants to evaluate children's behavior problems. Among 206 children diagnosed as having epilepsy, 51 had ADHD symptoms. Among them, 52.1% (29/51) were inattentive subtype (ADHD-I), 13.73% (7/51) were hyperactive/impulsive subtype (ADHD-HI), and 29.41% (15/51) were combined subtype (ADHD-C). Children with epilepsy and ADHD had significantly higher scores on attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior subscales (P < 0.01). Our results showed that children with epilepsy exhibited a significantly higher rate of ADHD compared with controls in Central China, with a predominant inattentive subtype. Children with epilepsy and ADHD showed more behavior problems such as attention-deficit, delinquent, and aggressive behaviors compared with children with epilepsy only.