Assessments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Use of objective measurements

Abstract

Aims and method: To appraise the value of additional information from objective measurements (QbTest system) in the clinical assessment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Two groups of ADHD assessments were compared. In the first group, assessments were undertaken without objective measures, whereas in the second group objective measures were added to the assessment. Practice outcomes were followed up over 1 year. Results: Objective measures improve differentiating between ADHD and other conditions whose symptoms are known to overlap with ADHD. Objective measurements reduce the risk of unidentified ADHD (P<0.0035) as measured by subsequent rates of revised diagnosis over a 12-month period. Clinical implications: Introducing objective measurements into the clinical assessment of ADHD provides an increased robustness of the clinical diagnosis strengthening clinical decisions for treatment interventions. Declaration of interest: None.