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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Department of Neuroscience, Pediatric Neurology Unit, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy

Romina Moavero, MD

Department of Neuroscience, Pediatric Neurology Unit, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy

Caterina Cerminara, MD

Department of Neuroscience, Pediatric Neurology Unit, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy

Paolo Curatolo, MD

Department of Neuroscience, Pediatric Neurology Unit, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy, curatolo{at}uniroma2.it

The neurobiological basis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in tuberous sclerosis complex is still largely unknown. Cortical tubers may disrupt several brain networks that control different types of attention. Frontal lobe dysfunction due to seizures or epileptiform electroencephalographic discharges may perturb the development of brain systems that underpin attentional and hyperactive functions during a critical early stage of brain maturation. Comorbidity of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with mental retardation and autism spectrum disorders is frequent in children with tuberous sclerosis. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also reflect a direct effect of the abnormal genetic program. Treatment of children with tuberous sclerosis complex with combined symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy may represent a challenge for clinicians, because antiepileptic therapy and drugs used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may aggravate the clinical picture of each other.

Key Words: ADHD • tuberous sclerosis complex • antiepileptic drugs • methylphenidate • autism

Journal of Child Neurology, Vol. 24, No. 10, 1282-1287 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0883073809341272


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