title: Objective QbTest and subjective evaluation of stimulant treatment in adult attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the QbTest as an objective measure versus self-reported ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) before and during stimulant treatment in adults with ADHD.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used the subjective ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS), and the objective computerized QbTest, which is a 20-minute unconditional identical pairs test that measures attention, impulsivity, and also hyperactivity using a motion-tracking system. Patients were assessed before (baseline) and during medical treatment with stimulants (follow-up) in an observational study design.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data of n=145 patients at baseline and n=82 patients at follow-up were analyzed. There were significant symptom reductions on all symptom domains, but correlations between the tests were weak. Improvement on the QbTest was independent of the patient's age, gender, educational level, ADHD subtype, co-morbid disorders, and use of other medications. Patients with worst QbTest results at baseline showed most improvement at follow-up. The QbTest was more sensitive to medication effects than the ADHD-RS. QbTest objectified clinical significant medication effect in 54% of patients who subjectively did not report any clinical effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Symptoms dimensions of objective and subjective tests refer to different psychological constructs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The QbTest is a valuable addition to existing subjective measures to assess medication effects in ADHD patients who have difficulties reporting treatment effects.
authors.affiliation: PsyQ Psycho-Medical Programs, Expertise Center Adult ADHD, Carel Reinierszkade 197, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands. Electronic address: d.bijlenga@psyq.nl.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bijlenga
authors.affiliation: PsyQ Psycho-Medical Programs, Expertise Center Adult ADHD, Carel Reinierszkade 197, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jasperse
authors.affiliation: PsyQ Psycho-Medical Programs, Expertise Center Adult ADHD, Carel Reinierszkade 197, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Gehlhaar
authors.affiliation: PsyQ Psycho-Medical Programs, Expertise Center Adult ADHD, Carel Reinierszkade 197, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Sandra Kooij
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009038:Motion; D057566:Self Report; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants
keywords: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Methylphenidate; Psychometry and assessments in psychiatry; Treatment effectiveness