Relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and epilepsy: a literature review

Abstract

Abstract Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurological disorder. ADHD has been linked to epilepsy. Main body ADHD was found to be present in 30–40% of epileptic children. Researchers have developed numerous theories to explain how and why ADHD and epilepsy coexist. Whether ADHD and epilepsy symptoms are caused by co-occurring psychiatric disorders or by the temporary effects of epileptic discharges or by antiepileptic medicines is critical to consider. Diagnosis and treatment of individuals with ADHD and epilepsy are complicated and challenging from the clinical base. Conclusions Comorbidity between ADHD and epilepsy is still challenging to understand. The two diseases have a bidirectional link, so the association may not be coincidental. A disputable point is whether co-occurring ADHD and epilepsy symptoms represent a comorbid psychiatric disorder or are the epileptic discharges’ temporary effects, and are they related to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It is recommended to follow up with children with epilepsy or ADHD as they may develop comorbidity after a while.

Keywords

• Epilepsy
• ADHD
• Comorbidity
• Comorbid psychiatric disorder
• Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)