Online test recommended to help diagnose youngsters with ADHD faster

An online test which could help diagnose children and young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) faster has been recommended for use on the NHS.

Known as the QbTest, the computer-based assessment tracks the movements of patients while measuring the three main symptoms of ADHD, which are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Results are then compared with patients of the same age who do not have ADHD.

In draft guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has recommended QbTest be used by the NHS to aid the diagnosis of patients aged six to 17 alongside standard clinical assessment.

Evidence from trials suggests it could increase the number of young patients being diagnosed, or having the condition ruled out, within six months.

At the moment, children and young people suspected of having ADHD have the condition diagnosed or ruled out following a detailed assessment.

This can include interviews with the child, their parents or teachers, as well as a physical examination to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.

Mark Chapman, director of Nice’s HealthTech programme, said: “Evidence presented to our committee showed the QbTest could increase the number of children and young people who get a diagnostic decision within six months of starting assessment.”

According to ADHD UK, some 2.6 million people in the UK have the condition, including more than 700,000 children.

There is currently no national data published on referrals or waiting times for ADHD assessments.

However, an online survey by the Petitions Committee, carried out in 2022, asked people for their view of assessment waiting times for ADHD and autism, and attracted 7,340 responses.

The research found that, among patients who had had an ADHD diagnosis, some 27% waited between six months and one year for an NHS assessment, with the same proportion waiting between one and two years and 14% waiting for two to three years.

Mr Chapman said: “Children and young people with ADHD deserve to receive a diagnosis in a timely manner.

“We heard from our patient experts there are challenges with current pathways.

“We’re committed to ensuring we get the best care to people fast while providing value for money to the taxpayer. This technology has the potential to generate tangible benefits to the lives of those waiting for an ADHD diagnosis.”

A consultation on the draft guidance is now under way.

Nice was unable to make a recommendation on the use of the test to help diagnose adults suspected of having ADHD due to limited evidence.

Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, said: “Improving ADHD wait times in the UK is important – especially for children.

“You can’t rewind the clock on lost school years, and with childhood wait times of up to five years, these wait times are rewriting the lives of young people with ADHD.

“This technology aids ADHD specialist clinicians and can speed up diagnosis, freeing up time for others to be assessed.”

Mr Shelford added that Nice “has been revolutionary in getting support for people with ADHD”.

He said: “Nice looked past ADHD stigma and went out on a limb to write the first ADHD guidelines.

“Guidelines that required NHS recognition, assessment and treatment of ADHD. That has been a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of people.”