Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children Undergoing Ablation Therapy

Background: Ablation therapy is a frequently used invasive procedure in the treatment of pediatric arrhythmias such as tachycardia. Such interventions may affect both physiological and psychological well-being in children. Recently, there has been growing interest in examining symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children exposed to chronic or repeated medical procedures. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 59 children (34 girls, 57.6%; 25 boys, 42.4%) who had undergone ablation therapy. The mean age was 12.41 ± 3.12 years (median 13; range 10–15). ADHD-related symptoms were assessed using a parent-rated behavioral evaluation form comprising Inattention, Hyperactivity, Oppositional, and Conduct subscales. Clinical cut-off scores for inattention and hyperactivity were set at ≥10 points. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U and Spearman correlation tests; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean inattention score was 4.31 ± 3.64 and the mean hyperactivity score was 4.05 ± 3.98. Boys had significantly higher inattention scores than girls (p = 0.008), while other subscales showed no sex differences (p > 0.05). Inattention (r = 0.373, p = 0.004) and conduct problems (r = 0.301, p = 0.021) were positively correlated with age. Clinically significant inattention symptoms (≥10 points) were observed in 13.6% (n = 8) and hyperactivity in 10.2% (n = 6) of participants, with no sex-based difference. Conclusions: ADHD symptoms in children after ablation therapy were comparable to general population rates; however, boys showed higher inattention levels, and attentional difficulties tended to increase with age. These findings underscore the need for neuropsychiatric follow-up following invasive cardiac procedures in pediatric populations.