The validation of a new online cognitive assessment tool: The MyCognition Quotient

Abstract

Objectives: Cognitive impairment affects many psychiatric patients, influences daily functioning, and should be an important treatment focus. Assessment of cognitive status is crucial in cognitive remediation studies. However, current test batteries have limitations. A new, online tool, the MyCognition Quotient (MyCQ), was developed to assess cognition within 30 min. We present the psychometric properties and aim to determine the validity of the MyCQ by comparing it with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Test Battery (CANTAB). Methods: Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, or major depressive disorder were included. Patients completed both the MyCQ and CANTAB. Results: Our hypothesized domains of psychomotor speed, attention, episodic memory, working memory, and executive functioning were confirmed by principal component analysis. The MyCQ total score correlated highly with the CANTAB total score. The MyCQ domains of psychomotor speed, attention, and episodic memory showed moderate to high correlations with corresponding CANTAB domains. Working memory and executive functioning had limited divergent validity. Conclusion: The MyCQ appears to be a promising instrument for assessing cognition online within a mixed psychiatric population. It is cost-efficient, easily administered, and usable in different psychiatric populations, which makes it a good candidate for both clinical and community studies.