Investigación Científica

Abstract

Sensory processing issues, mainly known as sensory processing disorder or SPD, are frequent in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and are associated with learning and behavioral difficulties. However, previous studies suggest that these disturbances might also be present in typically developing children, reaching prevalence rates of 10-20%. Nevertheless, published studies have been primary been conducted in non-European countries. Therefore, we aim, as first objective, to explore the frequency of sensory processing difficulties in a random sample of school-age children from Spain to contribute to the study of its prevalence. The Sensory Profile-2 (SP2) assessment tool was administered to 369 participants to study their sensory processing patterns, the absence or presence of sensory processing issues, the affected sensory systems, as well as their socioemotional, attentional, and behavioral impact. Furthermore, as second objective, we have developed a novel strategy to classify SPD by severity ranges using SP2 yielded results; accordingly, the sample was classified as follows: no alteration, mild, moderate, and severe sensory processing alteration. The results show prevalence rates consistent with previous findings: 15.9% of participants met the severe alteration criteria and 10.5%, 11.1% and 62.5% were classified as moderate, mild and no alteration, respectively. Finally, we hypothesize about SPD and underlying neuropsychological processes that might be associated with this condition. Our results highlight the necessity of further research efforts to establish whether high-frequency and severity rates of sensory processing alterations are linked to neuropsychological variables. The provided classification system might be useful to determine such associations.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis is based on behavioral symptoms referred by the patient or their caregivers, which includes a high subjective component. This highlights the need to find biomarkers that might help clinicians to objectively identify this condition and to assess the evolution of the patient and the effectiveness of the treatments using quantitative information. Previous studies suggest that data from quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) could be useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with ADHD; however, many professionals do not know its possibilities. AIMS: To describe and discuss the principal findings of qEEG neurometry in ADHD subjects along the last 10 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A systematic review, based on PRISMA methodology and using PubMed database, was carried out to identify original articles published in the last 10 years, that studied qEEG parameters within the ADHD context. RESULTS: A total of 13 research articles out of 65 were selected for an in-depth analysis. CONCLUSIONS: qEEG parameters could provide relevant information in the context of ADHD; however, its applicability is currently limited to complementing the subjective diagnosis methods and not to its replacement, as published data are just preliminary and need larger and deeper studies. However, qEEG data can help to better understand ADHD and its neurophysiology, characterize its subtypes and therefore move towards personalized and more effective treatments.