New Computerized Test May Improve ADHD Diagnoses

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be diagnosed quickly using a computerized test of attention and activity (QbTest).

A new clinical trial finds that adding a computerized test of attention and activity (QbTest) to standard care can improve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. The findings of the study are reported in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.//

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in children and young people have increased, but diagnostic practice among clinicians remains variable, with significant diagnostic delays and reliance on subjective assessments.The study shows that adding a computerised test of attention and activity (QbTest) to standard care can reduce the time needed to make a diagnostic decision on ADHD, increase the likelihood of excluding ADHD when it is not present, and improve clinicians' confidence in their decision-making, without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Adult attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition in adults seen as hyperactivity, impulsiveness and reduced attention. ADHD impairs social, academic, neuropsychological and occupational behavior.

‘Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be diagnosed easily using a computerized test of attention and activity (QbTest). QbTest report was faster in providing diagnostic decisions no overall loss of diagnostic accuracy.’

In the randomized, parallel, single-blind controlled trial in mental health and community pediatric clinics in England (the AQUA study), 267 participants aged 6-17 years-old and their clinician were randomized to either receive the QbTest report or not as part of their standard diagnostic assessment for ADHD. 132 out of the 267 participants and their clinicians received the QbTest report.

Clinicians with access to the QbTest report were more likely to reach a diagnostic decision about ADHD. At six months, 76% of those with a QbTest report had received a diagnostic decision, compared with 50% without. The QbTest reduced appointment length by 15%, increased clinicians' confidence in their diagnostic decisions, and doubled the likelihood of excluding ADHD. There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy.

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses in children, and young people have increased, but diagnostic practice among clinicians remains variable, with significant diagnostic delays and reliance on subjective assessments.

Diet to control Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects children of school going age and often subsides as the child matures.

The AQUA study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, was funded by the NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care East Midlands and supported by NIHR Mental Health MedTech Co-operative.

"The assessment of ADHD remains largely subjective and children and young people in the UK, compared to other European countries, experience some of the longest delays for a diagnostic decision and initiation of appropriate treatment," said lead author Professor Chris Hollis, of the University of Nottingham, in the UK.

Advertisements

Restricted Diet Devoid of Additives May Benefit Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
As there is no evidence for the effectiveness of IgG blood tests, researchers wanted to study the link between diet and behavior among children with ADHD.

"The AQUA trial is ground-breaking because it is the first independent randomised-controlled study to demonstrate that an objective assessment technology (QbTest) can increase the speed and efficiency of diagnostic decision-making in ADHD. The clinicians who had access to a QbTest report were faster in reaching diagnostic decisions with no overall loss of diagnostic accuracy.

"Interestingly, clinicians with a QbTest report were more likely than those without a QbTest report on a young person to exclude a diagnosis of ADHD. The results suggest that QbTest is ready for implementation within the ADHD assessment pathway in the UK, and other countries with similarly long delays to diagnosis, where it is likely to lead to earlier diagnostic decisions and significant healthcare system efficiencies."