Who are the false negatives on continuous performance tests?

Abstract

Compared children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with normal and abnormal continuous performance test (CPT) scores. Children with normal scores showed less inattention and more conduct and psychosomatic problems on Conners Parent Rating Scale and Teacher Rating Scale ratings, and performed more normally on other laboratory measures. A drug trial showed that they were less likely to respond positively to stimulant medication, and less likely to do well on a higher dose than a lower dose when response was documented. The results suggest that CPTs can identify clinically meaningful differences between children referred for ADHD evaluations.