QbTest, now used in 70 per cent of NHS services for diagnosing ADHD in children and young people, can reduce clinic diagnosis time by one third
The NHS has started using a new digital test to accelerate the diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, following successful trials by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
In July 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued draft guidance approving the use of QbTest by psychiatrists and specialist children’s doctors to aid in ADHD diagnoses.
This computerised test, which complements existing diagnostic methods, is expected to both improve assessment accuracy and save the NHS money.
It is estimated that ADHD affects 3-5 per cent of school-age children, who show symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Professor Richard Morriss, NIHR ARC East Midlands Mental Health and Well-being Theme Lead, expressed concern that there has been a fourfold increase in ADHD referrals since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diagnosing ADHD is challenging due to the subjective and often conflicting feedback from parents, teachers, and the children themselves. On average, children in the UK face an 18-month wait for a diagnosis.
According to Professor Morriss, QbTest, now used in 70 per cent of NHS services for diagnosing ADHD in children and young people, can reduce clinic diagnosis time by one third.
The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands is also investigating the potential of QbTest to assist with ADHD treatment.
QbTest is a computer-based assessment that measures attention, impulsivity, and activity levels.
An independent randomised controlled trial, funded by NIHR ARC East Midlands, found that the test shortened the assessment cycle, making patients 44 per cent more likely to receive a diagnosis within six months.
It also doubled the likelihood of ruling out ADHD within that time frame and helped 85 per cent of patients better understand their symptoms.
