Low recognition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adult patients admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Abstract

Introduction: Adult patients with epilepsy (PWE) have an 18% prevalence of comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to a prevalence of 2%–5% in the general population. Recognition of this dual diagnosis is important since stimulant therapy is both safe and effective in this population. Methods: Here, we aim to determine if PWE have adequate documentation for comorbid ADHD when being admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). A retrospective review was conducted at the Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center EMU for patients presenting between July 2017 and November 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I—patients without a documented ADHD diagnosis or ADHD medications and Group II—patients with a documented ADHD diagnosis and/or taking medications indicated specifically for ADHD. Results: Of 524 individual patients who presented to the EMU, only 25 patients (4.8%) had documentation of a diagnosis of ADHD and/or ADHD medications (Group II). The proportion of patients in Group II did not significantly differ based on the EMU diagnosis. However, there was a significantly greater number of other psychiatric diagnoses (p =.005) and a greater number of psychiatric medications prescribed (p