Itai Berger1, Gil Goldzweig. 1. Neuro-Pediatric Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. itberg@hadassah.org.il
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Most aspects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis rely on subjective judgment. Computerized continuous performance tests are designed to improve the validity of the process but are controversial due to low odds ratios. There is a need to find more definitive measures of assessment. OBJECTIVES: To test the validity and reliability of a new tool, a computerized continuous performance functions test, which includes a multi-task approach designed to achieve a higher odds ratio of assessment. METHODS: We applied this test to 58 children aged 6-12 years: 45 were diagnosed as ADHD and 13 non-ADHD children served as a control group. RESULTS: The CPF test was able to differentiate between non-ADHD and ADHD children. CPF test results were more accurate than other continuous performance tests. The results were statistically significant in all test parameters, confirming the test's validity and reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The CPF test includes a combination of tasks based on an algorithm designed to test several domains of attention. In this pilot study the CPF test was found to be a valid and reliable tool for the diagnosis of ADHD in children. This test might increase the diagnostic utility of computerized tests. The research points to the need for developing a more definitive process for ADHD diagnosis.
BACKGROUND: Most aspects of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis rely on subjective judgment. Computerized continuous performance tests are designed to improve the validity of the process but are controversial due to low odds ratios. There is a need to find more definitive measures of assessment. OBJECTIVES: To test the validity and reliability of a new tool, a computerized continuous performance functions test, which includes a multi-task approach designed to achieve a higher odds ratio of assessment. METHODS: We applied this test to 58 children aged 6-12 years: 45 were diagnosed as ADHD and 13 non-ADHDchildren served as a control group. RESULTS: The CPF test was able to differentiate between non-ADHD and ADHDchildren. CPF test results were more accurate than other continuous performance tests. The results were statistically significant in all test parameters, confirming the test's validity and reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The CPF test includes a combination of tasks based on an algorithm designed to test several domains of attention. In this pilot study the CPF test was found to be a valid and reliable tool for the diagnosis of ADHD in children. This test might increase the diagnostic utility of computerized tests. The research points to the need for developing a more definitive process for ADHD diagnosis.
Authors: Geurt Van de Glind; Christoffer Brynte; Arvid Skutle; Sharlene Kaye; Maija Konstenius; Frances Levin; Frieda Mathys; Zsolt Demetrovics; Franz Moggi; Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga; Arnt Schellekens; Cleo Crunelle; Geert Dom; Wim van den Brink; Johan Franck Journal: Eur Addict Res Date: 2020-06-29 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Shoham Choshen-Hillel; Ahmad Ishqer; Fadi Mahameed; Joel Reiter; David Gozal; Alex Gileles-Hillel; Itai Berger Journal: Med Educ Date: 2020-08-28 Impact factor: 6.251