Validation of the AQT color-form additive model for screening and monitoring pharmacological treatment of ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study used a quick test of cognitive speed (AQT) processing-speed and efficiency measures for evaluating sensitivity and monitoring effects during pharmacological treatment of adults with ADHD.


METHODS
Color (C), form (F), and color-form (CF) combination naming were administered to 69 adults during outpatient evaluation, and pre- and posttreatment results were compared for 64 adults.


RESULTS
At intake without medication, naming times (s) were significantly longer and overhead, CF - (C + F), larger than after stabilization of ADHD symptoms. Means for single-dimension naming were in the normal range, and for CF and overhead, means were in the atypical ranges. After treatment, CF and overhead improved to within normal ranges. On average, dual-dimension processing speed increased by 31% and efficiency by 73%. Sensitivity at intake was 91%, using fail-criteria for CF and/or overhead.


CONCLUSIONS
Results support previous estimates of sensitivity and ability to monitor pharmacological-treatment effects in ADHD.
Hvidovre Hospital Psykiatrisk Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Niels Peter
NP
Nielsen
Elisabeth Hemmersam
EH
Wiig
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D001245:Association Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003118:Color Perception / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000187:drug effects*; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012660:Semantics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride