This article discusses a new test called the Quotient ADHD System that may help diagnose ADHD. The test tracks attention, impulsivity, and subtle movements through sensors on the head and legs while the patient plays a computer game. Results provide objective measures of attention and impulsivity that doctors can use along with other evaluations to determine the severity of ADHD symptoms and their impact. While not definitive, the test may aid diagnosis and allow doctors to monitor the effects of medication over time.

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ADHD Testing Tool
Posted: 11:41 am EDT August 21, 2009
ADHD
ADHD, or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity
and impulsivity. There are three subtypes. The predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtype is
characterized by hyperactivity (such as an inability to sit still or be quiet) and impulsivity (limited patience,
difficulty taking turns or blurting out answers or inappropriate comments). A person with the
predominantly inattentive subtype is easily distracted, has trouble focusing on tasks or following
instructions and has trouble completing or turning in homework. The combined hyperactive-impulsive and
inattentive subtype includes characteristics of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ADHD affects up to 12 percent of school-aged children.
Boys are affected about three times more often than girls. The cause isn’t known, but the condition tends
to run families. Other possible risk factors include: brain injury, premature birth, low birth weight,
exposure to environmental toxins (like lead) and mom’s use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy.
Diagnosing ADHD – The Quotient™ Test
There is no single, definitive test for ADHD. Diagnosis is usually based on a comprehensive examination to
rule out other causes of the symptoms, behavioral checklists and family/school assessments.
Now there’s a new office-based test that may aid in the diagnosis of ADHD, called the Quotient™ ADHD
System (BioBehavioral Diagnostics Co.). Small bands are placed around the forehead and the lower legs.
The bands contain reflective markers, enabling an infrared Motion Tracking System to detect head and leg
movements. The test is like a computer game, requiring the user to hit certain targets on the screen with
the press of a button, while avoiding other targets.
Theresa Cerulli, M.D., Neuropsychiatrist, in North Andover, MA, says as the patient “plays” the game, the
computer tracks the level of attention (how well the appropriate targets are identified and marked) and
impulsivity (measuring the number of hits on targets to be avoided). All the while, the Motion Tracking
System is recording movements of the head and leg reflectors at a speed of 50 times a second. The fast
tracking enables the computer to measure subtle changes in motion.
The Quotient test is approved by the FDA and can be used for children and adults. The child test takes
about 15 minutes and the adult version about 20 minutes. Once the test is done, the data is submitted to
the company’s online server. Within a short time, the information is processed. The physician can access
the report and download or print the results from the company’s website.
Cerulli says the scores provide an objective measure of attention and impulsivity. This enables physicians
and families to determine the true degree of symptoms and see how those symptoms may impact school
and other areas of a child’s life. Cerulli says some doctors use the test to get a baseline measurement of a
patient’s symptoms, then retest after medications have been used to see if the drugs are helping. However,
the test is not yet approved for medication management.
For information about the Quotient™ ADHD System, go to http://www.biobdx.com.
For information on ADHD:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Academy of Pediatrics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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National Institute of Mental Health
National Resource Center on AD/HD
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