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Abstract
This study investigated the relationships between computer-based testing and behavioral ratings in the assessment of stimulant-induced changes in attention and activity in a pediatric ADHD crossover trial with methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and a placebo. Here 36 children between 9 and 14 years old were randomly and evenly assigned to each of six counterbalanced drug orders. A computer-based continuous performance test combined with a motion-tracking system (cb-CPT-MTS) and an ADHD questionnaire rated by teachers constituted the outcome measures. All outcome measures responded to stimulants in a comparable way at the group level, as shown by significant treatment effects of similar size for the two stimulants compared with a placebo. Computer-based and rating-based measures were unrelated in the assessment of stimulant-induced changes in attention and activity in individual children; no significant correlations between these measures in the assessment of change from placebo to stimulant conditions across the sample were detected. Results suggest that computer-based testing and behavioral ratings cannot be considered equivalent in the assessment of stimulant-induced changes in attention and activity among ADHD children.
Acknowledgments
The first phase of the study was conducted as part of ordinary clinical practice at Neuropsychiatric Unit, Østfold Hospital Trust. The second and third phase, data analysis and preparation of manuscript, were sponsored by South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority and also by Østfold Hospital Trust and National Resource Centre for ADHD, both under the umbrella of South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.
Bjørn Erik Ramtvedt and Kjetil Sundet have no financial relationships with any pharmaceutical company or any other conflict of interests.