OBJECTIVETo study the value of the integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT) in the diagnosis of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODSIVA-CPT was performed in 153 children (6-15 years old) with suspected ADHD. The "gold standard" for the diagnosis of ADHD was based on the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disease (3rd version) (CCMD-3) or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th version, USA) (DSM-IV).

RESULTSWhen CCMD-3 was used as the "gold standard", the sensitivity and specificity of IVA-CPT for the diagnosis of ADHD were 72.7% and 46.0% respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic positive detection rate between the two diagnostic ways. When DSM-IV was used as the "gold standard", the sensitivity and specificity of IVA-CPT for the diagnosis of ADHD were 71.6% and 56.5% respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic positive detection rate between the two diagnostic ways. There were similar results in the identification of subtypes of ADHD by the two diagnostic ways. The sensitivity and specificity of IVA-CPT for the diagnosis of ADHD in the 10-15 years old group were lower than those in the 6-9 years old group when either CCMD-3 or DSM-IV was used as the "gold standard".

CONCLUSIONSIVA-CPT can be used as an assisted tool for the diagnosis of ADHD. It is more effective for the diagnosis of ADHD in younger children.