Predicting attention deficit and impulsivity in children with ADHD using brain signal analysis and integrated visual and auditory (IVA) test

In this study the features extracted from EEG signal and Integrated Visual and Auditory test (IVA) was used to determine the level of attention deficit and impulsivity. Participants were selected from children with ADHD using the convenience sampling method. 50 children (32 boys and 18 girls) with mean and standard deviation of age 1.90 ± 9.17 years have been selected. Subjects first participated in the IVA test. Then, EEG signal was recorded with eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used to evaluate the fetures and prediciting attention deficit and impulsivity. Results showed, all parameters extracted from IVA had a significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with the level of attention deficit in ADHD children. Also, theta beta ratio of EEG in the closed-eye condition had a significant positive correlation (p<0.05) with the impulsivity index. In the regression results, the visual focus index of IVA was able to predict attention deficit in children with ADHD (R2=0.391, p<0.00001). Also, the reaction time of children in response to visual and auditory stimuli in IVA test, and the theta beta ratio of brain waves each separately were able to predict impulsivity (R2=0.22, p<0.05). Therefore, IVA variables could have played a more effective role in predicting the level of attention deficit. But the performance of the theta beta ratio of brain waves and the IVA test was similar in predicting the level of impulsivity. Therfore, IVA variables and theta beta ratio of brain waves can play an effective role in predicting ADHD.