Inattention in adolescence: case of ADHD vs juvenile absence seizure

Authors

  • Jadiel Luis da Silva Mestrando em Hebiatria, Universidade de Pernambuco, UPE, Recife, PE, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5738-912X
  • Carolina Silva Mergulhão Médica formada pelo Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, UNINASSAU, Recife, PE, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9262-0868
  • Emilie Boeckmann e Silva Médica formada pelo Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, UNINASSAU, Recife, PE, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0412-6004
  • Breno Alves da Silva Médico formado pelo Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, UNINASSAU, Recife, PE, Brasil https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6380-9438
  • José Eudes Lorena Sobrinho Doutor em saúde pública e livre-docente em saúde pública, Programa de pós-graduação em Hebiatria da Universidade de Pernambuco, PPGH-UPE, Recife, PE, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7820-735X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2024.v14.1278

Keywords:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Absence Epilepsy, Neurosciences, ADHD, hyperactivity

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and juvenile absence seizures are examples of pathologies that are important differential diagnoses of inattention in childhood and adolescence. Objective: In this context, the article aims to reinforce the relevance of differential diagnosis between inattention in adolescents, focusing on ADHD and juvenile absence seizures. Case Report: EVB, female, 11 years, presented with complaints of attention difficulties, memory issues, and poor school performance. Upon mental examination, the patient displayed numerous sudden pauses with a vacant stare of short duration and then returned without remembering what had happened. EEG showed an irregular, asymmetric, asynchronous, and complex background rhythm, described as nonspecific. Diagnoses of ADHD and epilepsy with juvenile absence seizures were considered. Discussion: It is important to emphasize that both conditions are heterogeneous and can be comorbid, therefore, they require multidisciplinary evaluations to ensure accurate diagnoses and provide individualized therapeutic plans, as well as specific interventions to improve the quality of life for patients. Conclusion: Inattention is a symptom that impacts the lives of children and adolescents, requiring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary evaluation of cognitive functions and their possible differential diagnoses.

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Author Biographies

Jadiel Luis da Silva, Mestrando em Hebiatria, Universidade de Pernambuco, UPE, Recife, PE, Brasil

https://lattes.cnpq.br/7304166487010627

Carolina Silva Mergulhão, Médica formada pelo Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, UNINASSAU, Recife, PE, Brasil

Carolina Silva Mergulhão, a physician graduated from the Maurício de Nassau University Center, Uninassau

Emilie Boeckmann e Silva, Médica formada pelo Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, UNINASSAU, Recife, PE, Brasil

physician graduated from the Maurício de Nassau University Center

 

Breno Alves da Silva, Médico formado pelo Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau, UNINASSAU, Recife, PE, Brasil

a physician graduated from the Maurício de Nassau University Center

 

José Eudes Lorena Sobrinho, Doutor em saúde pública e livre-docente em saúde pública, Programa de pós-graduação em Hebiatria da Universidade de Pernambuco, PPGH-UPE, Recife, PE, Brasil

Doctor in Public Health and Full Professor in Public Health

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Published

2024-09-03

How to Cite

1.
Silva JL da, Mergulhão CS, Silva EB e, Silva BA da, Lorena Sobrinho JE. Inattention in adolescence: case of ADHD vs juvenile absence seizure. Debates em Psiquiatria [Internet]. 2024 Sep. 3 [cited 2024 Oct. 18];14:1-10. Available from: https://revistardp.org.br/revista/article/view/1278

Issue

Vol. 14 (2024)

Section

Case Report

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Copyright (c) 2024 Jadiel Luis da Silva, Carolina Silva Mergulhão, Emilie Boeckmann e Silva, Breno Alves da Silva, José Eudes Lorena Sobrinho

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