Eye test may detect ADHD in children

Main Category: ADHD
Article Date: 17 Jan 2005 - 10:00 PDT

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Researchers From Brunel University, London, UK, say we may soon have an eye test that can identify ADHD in children. The researchers have been working on 65 children, aged 4-6.

The kids have to follow a spot of light on a computer screen with their eyes for 30 seconds. They have to do this four times - each time the spot moves differently. The test, say the scientists, is 93% accurate in identifying ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). The scientists found that children with ADHD did not have the same type of eye movement in these tests as children without the disorder.

There is currently no physical test for ADHD. Health professionals use an assortment of questionnaires and interviews. Pediatricians and psychiatrists say it is not easy to identify ADHD when children are small because they tend to be overactive anyway. According to UK schools, about 6% of children suffer from ADHD.

Health professionals are hopeful that this test may help them identify the disorder earlier on in a child's life. Lead researchers, Professor George Pavlidis, said "Early diagnosis of these very important hereditary conditions will allow effective intervention and proper treatment which in turn will reduce the learning, the behavioural and the painful secondary psychological problems of the children. This biological test proved to be objective and highly accurate and can be used at pre-school age. The discovery is also important internationally as the test operates equally effectively regardless of language, race, culture and IQ."

What is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and can persist through adolescence and into adulthood. Currently the causes are unknown.

A person with ADHD has a chronic level of inattention, impulsive hyperactivity, or both such that daily functioning is compromised. The symptoms of the disorder must be present at levels that are higher than expected for a person's developmental stage and must interfere with the person's ability to function in different settings (e.g., in school and at home). A person with ADHD may struggle in important areas of life, such as peer and family relationships, and school or work performance……CONTINUES….cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/what.htm

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