A Systematic Study of Assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Difference in assessment duration between the two protocols,Difference in prevalence of assigned diagnoses between the two protocols,Difference in assessor certainty between the two protocols,Difference in reliability between the two protocols,Difference in validity between the two protocols,Difference in patient satisfaction between the two protocols,Difference in patient satisfaction between the two protocols at follow-up,Difference in cost effectiveness between the two protocols

ADHD is one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions, consuming a large proportion of
 resources in psychiatric care, often accompanied by long waiting lists to receive proper
 assessment. The number of ADHD cases has increased, possible due to heightened awareness of
 the condition. There are large prevalence differences, potentially due to variations in
 assessments procedures. Many clinicians and parents view the diagnostic process as too
 extensive, taking time from treatment and interventions. In addition, assessments may be
 perceived as too focused on diagnostic criteria to be fully helpful. Systematic research on
 how assessment procedures can be optimized is essentially lacking. It is largely unknown
 whether brief protocols including medical history, diagnostic interview, and rating scales
 differ from comprehensive protocols that also encompass neuropsychological testing regarding
 validity, reliability, patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. Further, feasible
 biomarkers (e.g. heart rate variability, pupil dilation and the pupillary light reflex) of
 the autonomic nervous system have been proposed as indicators of diagnostic status. The aim
 of this study is to gain knowledge about diagnostic processes to enable valid, reliable, and
 cost-effective ADHD assessments. Using a randomized controlled trial design (N = 240
 children, 8-17 years, referred to child and adolescent psychiatric units), differences
 between a brief and a comprehensive ADHD assessment protocol regarding assessment outcome,
 reliability, validity, patient satisfaction, and future outcome taking gender into account
 will be examined. The investigators will explore diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of
 the included assessment instruments and estimate cost-effectiveness of the brief and
 comprehensive protocols to enable policy makers to make informed decisions. The project will
 provide important knowledge for patients and clinicians, and inform our understanding of
 mechanisms underpinning ADHD.