Assessing QbTest Utility in ADHD: A Randomised Controlled Trial

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  A randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of providing clinicians and patients with the results of an objective measure of activity and attention (QbTest) versus usual care on diagnostic and treatment decision making in children and young people with ADHD

• IRAS ID

  151584

• Contact name

  Chris Hollis

• Contact email

  chris.hollis@nottingham.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Nottingham

• Research summary

  Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)is one of the most common mental health disorders of childhood. Children with ADHD often have poor attention, are restless and hyperactive and show impulsive behaviour. It is important to detect ADHD so young people can have access to appropriate clinical interventions.
  One of the most common ways ADHD is assessed is through the clinician’s opinion; however, this can vary between clinicians and is thought to be one reason why ADHD may be mis-diagnosed. Using a more objective computer tasks may help improve our understanding of ADHD. One computer task is the QbTest.

  The test presents different symbols to the child, and the child has to respond by pressing a button only when a target symbol appears. The test measures the child’s attention, impulsivity and movement whilst doing this task.

  Although the test is thought to be a valid measure, more research needs to be conducted on this measure to see whether it helps clinicians decision making.
  To see whether this test helps clinicians make a diagnosis of ADHD and helps with medication decisions, children and young people will be asked to complete the task as part of their initial assessment for ADHD. Half the participants and their clinician will have access to the QbTest result; the other half will not have access to the QbTest result until the end of the study.

  Their parents, teachers and the clinician will also be asked to complete some questionnaires about the child’s symptoms and behaviour. If the child is diagnosed with ADHD and is given medication they will be asked to complete the task again on medication. The same set of questionnaires will be completed by the parents/teachers/clinicians. The entire sample will be followed up at 6 months and asked to complete the questionnaires.

• REC name

  West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  14/WM/0166

• Date of REC Opinion

  11 Jun 2014

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion