Neural Oscillation Features of ADHD Symptoms in Children: EEG Evidence From Resting State and Oddball Task

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore neural oscillation features (resting-state + oddball-EROs) of ADHD symptoms in children in a dimensional approach and to construct a multi-metric model combining objective EEG measures and subjective parental ratings to predict children's behavioral performance. METHOD: Seventy-seven children (age range: 6-12 years) participated in laboratory assessment. ADHD symptoms were first evaluated using the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT), followed by EEG recordings during both resting-state and oddball task conditions. Three parent rating scales were also used to evaluate children's behavioral performance: the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD RS-IV): Home Version, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Conners' Parent Rating Scales (CPRS). RESULTS: Seventy-one children with valid IVA-CPT results were included in data analysis. The main results revealed a relationship between poorer attention performance and decreased eye-open alpha1 power in the resting state, reduced N2 delta power in the oddball condition, and elevated non-delta band power in the standard condition of the oddball task. Poorer response control performance was associated with increased eye-closed alpha1 power, as well as increased eye-open alpha2 and beta2 power. Stepwise regression analysis showed that the inattention subscale from parental assessments on the RS-IV, combined with P3 alpha power in the standard condition of the oddball task, was the strongest predictor of children's attention performance. CONCLUSION: The current study identified important neural oscillation features of ADHD symptoms in both the resting state and during an oddball task and offers new insights into multi-metric prediction for ADHD assessment and diagnosis.