title: A four-step approach for developing diagnostic tests in psychiatry: EEG in ADHD as a test case.
abstract: A four-step approach for developing diagnostic tests in psychiatry is proposed. The approach was applied to a promising finding (increased electroencephalogram [EEG] Theta in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]). A meta-analysis for the effect sizes was performed. Seventeen studies were included (12 met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis). The majority of papers met criteria for Step 1. A number of papers qualified for Step 2 or Step 3. The effect size of the total sample for absolute theta was 0.58 and for relative theta 0.92. The proposed schema was able to classify a representative biological finding into a specific phase of development as a diagnostic tool. Based on the meta-analysis, the authors conclude that increased EEG theta activity in ADHD is promising and should be further developed as a diagnostic test.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry and Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, UPC-Jefferson, Suite 305, 2751 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207, USA. nboutros@med.wayne.edu
authors.forename: Nash
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Boutros
authors.forename: Liana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fraenkel
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Feingold
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D013826:Theta Rhythm