The fourteen and six positive spikes and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background: The clinical significance of the 14 and 6 positive spikes (PS) electroencephalographic (EEG) phenomenon is not well established. This study was performed to provide further data regarding the clinical correlates of the PS, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity and somatic symptoms. Methods: Diagnostic information gathered through structured interviews was compared among four groups of psychiatric inpatients aged 4–17 years who underwent an EEG examination over a 2-year period. Groups consisted of patients with: 1) 14 and 6 PS (n = 25); 2) epileptic discharges (n = 29); 3) slow-wave abnormalities (n = 23); and 4) a normal EEG group age and sex matched to the 14 and 6 PS group (n = 25). Results: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were significantly more frequent in the PS group (χ2 = 3.96, p< .05) compared to the other three groups combined. Although somatic symptoms were not increased in the 14 and 6 PS group, anxiety symptoms tended to occur more in this group (χ2 = 3.50, p< .06). Conclusions: The PS profile appears associated with ADHD symptoms. Possible treatment implications of this finding (e.g., use of anticonvulsants in ADHD patients with PS) need to be explored.