ADHD Digital Test Approved for NHS Use in England and Wales

Experts are optimistic that the QbTest for ADHD will facilitate ADHD diagnoses for children within six months of their initial assessment.

The National Health Service (NHS) has received approval to implement a new digital test to expedite the diagnosis of ADHD in children and adolescents, a process that has historically taken several years.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance endorsing the use of the QbTest for ADHD by psychiatrists and specialist pediatricians. This computer-based assessment measures the three core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

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Clinicians can utilize the results in conjunction with other gathered information to assist in diagnosing or ruling out ADHD in young individuals. NICE has indicated that the test is suitable for diagnosing six- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales.

Experts Praise QbTest for ADHD Diagnosis

Experts have praised this development, asserting that the QbTest for ADHD will enable healthcare professionals to diagnose more individuals within six months of their initial assessment.

Dr. Jessica Eccles, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Neurodevelopmental Special Interest Group, stated: “Individuals who suspect they may have ADHD often endure waiting periods of months or even years for an assessment, which can hinder access to timely and effective care. Any new evidence-based tools should be employed to reduce these unacceptable waiting times and enhance the availability of support.”

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Estimates suggest that between 1% and 9% of school-age children in the UK have ADHD, depending on the diagnostic criteria used.

NICE referenced evidence from the AQUA clinical trial held in Nottingham, which demonstrated that incorporating the QbTest into a standard ADHD clinical assessment led to a diagnostic decision for a larger proportion of individuals within six months of their initial appointment, compared to those without access to QbTest results.

The recent increase in the number of under-18s and adults suspected of having ADHD has overwhelmed NHS services.

While some individuals receive a diagnosis within months, 24% wait up to two years, and 10% wait between two and three years, as reported by the Nuffield Trust think tank in April.

The report highlighted the severe impact of delays on children: “The effect on children should not be underestimated. Without a formal diagnosis, children and young people with suspected autism or ADHD may not receive the necessary support at school, significantly affecting their life trajectory.”

Thea Stein, Chief Executive of the Nuffield Trust, remarked: “Expediting ADHD diagnosis for young people is undoubtedly beneficial, and the results of this test appear promising. However, six months for a diagnosis remains a significant portion of a young person’s life. While faster diagnosis is advantageous, it is only one aspect of a complex process to provide the necessary support for young people and their families.”

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Dr. Eccles cautioned that the QbTest for ADHD alone would not resolve the challenges facing ADHD services, emphasizing the need for additional funding and staff: “The challenges facing ADHD services will not be resolved by new technology alone. There remains a clear need for targeted resources to address rising demand and provide essential care.”

Dr. Maddie Groom, an Associate Professor in Applied Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at Nottingham University and a contributor to the development of the QbTest for ADHD, explained: “The QbTest for ADHD assesses the child’s attention, impulse control, and physical activity during a 15-20 minute test, whereas traditional measures collect observational data about the child from parents, teachers, and the child themselves.”

News Source:- theguardian.com