[The utility of a continuous performance test embedded in virtual reality in measuring the effectiveness of MPH treatment in boys with ADHD].
BACKGROUND
Continuous performance tasks (CPT) are popular in the diagnostic process of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), providing an objective measure of attention for a disorder with otherwise subjective criteria.


OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to: 1) examine whether the VR-CPT is sensitive to methylphenidate (MPH); 2) assess how the virtual reality (VR) environment is experienced.


METHODS
Twenty boys, 9-17 years, with ADHD underwent 3 CPTs: VR-CPT, the same CPT without VR (no VR-CPT) and the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.). Subsequently, those with ADHD repeated the tests 1 hour following MPH ingestion. Immediately following the CPT, the subjects described their subjective experiences on the Short Feedback Questionnaire. Results were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures.


RESULTS
MPH reduced the omission and commission errors on all tests to a similar degree. Subjective feelings of enjoyment were most positive for VR-CPT.


CONCLUSIONS
The VR-CPT is a sensitive and user-friendly assessment tool for evaluating the effectiveness of MPH treatment in boys with ADHD.
Shriki
Liron
L
Neuropediatric Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. shrikili@gmail.com
Weizer
Merav
M
Pollak
Yehuda
Y
Weiss
Patricia L
PL
Rizzo
Albert A
AA
Gross-Tsur
Varda
V
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011936:Reality Testing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate