Central auditory processing disorders and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) have become popular diagnostic entities for school-age children. P300 (P3) event-related potential (ERP) putatively reflects central auditory dysfunctions associated with ADHD.

Detection of central auditory processing (higher auditory functioning) as measured by P300 in ADHD children. Determine the role of stimulants in central auditory processing and P300 in ADHD children for a better understanding of the nature of the deficit in these children.

Forty children with a diagnosis of ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. and 39 normal children were included in the study and were subjected to P300 ERP, audio-vocal items of Illinois test of psycholinguistic abilities.

This study found a significant difference in P300 latency, amplitude, and most of the audio-vocal subtests between the patients and the controls. This difference was obvious in older children for the Illinois test, but was not observed in P300 results.

There was a CAPD in children with ADHD (as indicated by Illinois subtests) and higher auditory central cognitive function (indicated by decreased amplitude of P300 and prolonged latency in such children). Audio-vocal abilities are more defective in older children (8-10 years) than in younger children. Children with ADHD should be assessed for CAPD. Stimulants may decrease the P300 latency and hence improve the attentive ability and auditory process.