Comparison of Random Forest, XGBoost, and RBF SVM for ADHD Detection

Authors

  • Adrián Jiménez-García Universidad de Burgos
  • Raquel García-Ausín Universidad de Burgos
  • Jesús Enrique Sierra García Universidad de Burgos
  • Bruno Baruque-Zanón Universidad de Burgos

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17979/ja-cea.2026.47.13843

Keywords:

ADHD, EEG, Machine Learning, Random Forest, SVM-RBF, XGBoost, Automated Classification, Computer-Aided Diagnosis, Computational Neuroscience, EEG Biomarkers, Early Detection

Abstract

The diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) relies primarily on subjective assessments, such as clinical interviews and behavioral questionnaires, which may lead to diagnostic bias and inconsistencies. In this context, electroencephalographic (EEG) signals have emerged as a promising tool due to the alterations observed in their spectral patterns and functional dynamics in individuals with ADHD. This study explores the application of machine learning techniques for ADHD detection based on EEG signals. Specifically, three classification models were implemented and compared: Random Forest, Support Vector Machines with a Radial Basis Function kernel (SVM-RBF), and XGBoost. Their performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, and sensitivity metrics to assess their discriminative capability. The results demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence as a support tool for traditional clinical diagnosis, although they remain insufficient for fully autonomous clinical applications.

References

Adamou, M., Fullen, T., & Jones, S. L. (2020). EEG for diagnosis of adult ADHD: A systematic review with narrative analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 871.

Ahire, N., Awale, R. N., & Wagh, A. (2025). Electroencephalogram (EEG) based prediction of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using machine learning. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 32(4), 966-977.

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Publishing

Boxum, M., Voetterl, H., van Dijk, H., Gordon, E., DeBeus, R., Arnold, L. E., & Arns, M. (2025). Challenging the diagnostic value of theta/beta ratio: Insights from an EEG subtyping meta-analytical approach in ADHD. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 50(4), 655–666.

Chen, T., & Guestrin, C. (2016). Xgboost: A scalable tree boosting system. In Proceedings of the 22nd acm sigkdd international conference on knowledge discovery and data mining (pp. 785-794).

Garcia-Ausin, R., & Sierra-Garcia, J. E. (2024). Holistic intervention proposal for students with ADHD. In EDULEARN24 Proceedings (pp. 9118-9124). IATED.

Garcia-Ausin, R., Pizarro, J. P., de la Fuente, R., & Sierra-Garcia, J. E. (2026). Stigma associated with ADHD in educational settings: an examination of effective practices and recommendations for mitigation. INTED2026 Proceedings, 0517.

Hernández-Capistran, J., Sánchez-Morales, L. N., Alor-Hernández, G., Bustos-López, M., & Sánchez-Cervantes, J. L. (2023). Machine and deep learning algorithms for ADHD detection: A review. Innovations in machine and deep learning: Case studies and applications, 163-191.

Kember, J., Stepien, L., Panda, E., & Tekok-Kilic, A. (2023). Resting-state EEG dynamics help explain differences in response control in ADHD. PLOS ONE, 18(10), e0277382.

Koutsoklenis, A., & Honkasilta, J. (2023). ADHD in the DSM-5-TR: What has changed and what has not. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 1064141.

Lenartowicz, A., & Loo, S. K. (2014). Use of EEG to diagnose ADHD. Current psychiatry reports, 16(11), 498.

Loo, S. K., Lenartowicz, A., & Makeig, S. (2016). Research review: Use of EEG biomarkers in child psychiatry research–current state and future directions. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(1), 4-17

López, C. Q., Vera, V. D. G., & Quintero, M. J. R. (2025). Diagnosis of ADHD in children with EEG and machine learning: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical and Health, 36(2), 109-121.

Mao, Y., Qi, X., He, L., Wang, S., Wang, Z., & Wang, F. (2025). Advanced machine learning techniques reveal multidimensional EEG abnormalities in children with ADHD: a framework for automatic diagnosis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1475936.

Nasrabadi, A. M., Allahverdy, A., Samavati, M., Mohammadi, M.R. (2026). EEG dataset for ADHD. Kaggle. https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/danizo/eeg-dataset-for-adhd

Slater, J., Joober, R., Koborsy, B. L., Mitchell, S., Sahlas, E., & Palmer, C. (2022). Can electroencephalography (EEG) identify ADHD subtypes? A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 139, 104752.

Snyder, S. M., & Hall, J. R. (2006). A meta-analysis of quantitative EEG power associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, 23(5), 441-456.

van Dijk, H., deBeus, R., Kerson, C., et al. (2020). Different spectral analysis methods for the theta/beta ratio do not distinguish ADHD from controls. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 45(3), 165–173.

Wei, L. L. Y., Ibrahim, A. A. A., & Alfred, R. (2025, August). Deep Learning Approach to EEG-based Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Detection: An Empirical Comparison of Ensemble Classifiers. In 2025 IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Engineering and Technology (IICAIET) (pp. 49-54). IEEE.

Downloads

Published

2026-09-01

Issue

Section

Bioingeniería