title: AQT cognitive speed and processing efficiency differentiate adults with and without ADHD: a preliminary study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the hypotheses that A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) single- and dual-dimension naming speed measures would differentiate normal adults and adults with ADHD before medication and that there would be no differences between groups after stabilization with medication.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty adults with ADHD, aged 18-43, were evaluated with the AQT color (C), form (F) and color-form combination (CF) naming tests before and after medication with methylphenidate. Thirty age- and sex-matched normal adults served as controls.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among adults with ADHD, pre-medication naming times (s) for C, F, and CF were significantly longer and overhead [CF - (C + F)] significantly larger than post-medication. Before medication, C, F and CF naming and processing efficiency (overhead) (s) differed significantly between ADHD adults and controls. After medication, there were no significant differences between groups. When we used fail criteria for dual-dimension naming (> 60 s) and overhead (processing efficiency) (> + 6 s) together the sensitivity was 93% and specificity 100%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the study limitations, findings suggest that the processing-speed and efficiency measures in AQT may be used to screen adults for executive dysfunction and reduced cognitive control associated with ADHD.
authors: Vesterbro-Enghave Psykiatrisk Center, Hvidovre Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: Niels Peter
authors: NP
authors: Nielsen
authors: Elisabeth Hemmersam
authors: EH
authors: Wiig
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate