New test to help enhance accuracy in ADHD detection

The research conducted at the University of Sydney (USyd) located at the Westmead Millennium Institute, established that with the help of the latest computerized test; it would not only be simpler to identify kids and adolescents with ADHD but it would be equally easy to differentiate those who do not have this syndrome.

Lead researcher, Leanne Williams, professor of cognitive neuropsychiatry at Usyd said, “Previous tests that focus only on attention have only been able to identify ADHD with around 70 per cent accuracy.”

But this test proves to be 96 percent accurate in detecting youngsters with ADHD, stated the researcher.

ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental syndrome characterized by hyperactivity and attention problems. The symptoms may begin in childhood and continue till adulthood.

Details of the study
The research team conducted studied 175 children and teens with ADHD and compared the results with another group of 175 subjects, not having the condition.

The study involved a series of computerized tests created by Brain Resource supported by the data from a large-scale international record.

To determine the functioning of the brain in varied circumstances, the subjects were asked to perform various tasks based on games.

On the basis of these assignments, the researchers studied the reaction and functioning of their brains under such challenging circumstances, which appear more of a burden to ADHD patients.

Results of the study
The study revealed that these tests could successfully identify deviating attention, impetuous behaviour, shyness or self-consciousness, disturbances and inconsistency in responding to different situations in ADHD patients.

But at the same time, it could without doubt differentiate children or teens not suffering from ADHD.

“The research showed that accurate and efficient assessment of ADHD could be achieved through cognitive testing in a way that can be translated into clinical practice,” stated Williams.

“Our study has shown for the first time that there is a biological basis to ADHD which can be reliably tested to diagnose it,” Williams added.

ADHD is the most commonly studied and diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children with symptoms showing prior to seven years of age.

It is often characterized by reduced attention, distraction, failure to comprehend commands, being easily turned off along with complexity in handling information, sloppy mistakes, absentmindedness, and hyperactivity in the patients.

The study appears in the Journal Pediatric Neurology.