Effects of Expectation, Medication and Placebo on Objective and Self-rated Performance During the QbTest
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2018-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Aim: The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of medication, placebo and
expectation on objective and self-rated performance of ADHD core signs during the Quantified
Behavior Test in patients with untreated ADHD.
Subjects: Participants are 40 consecutive patients remitted to a neuropsychiatric
investigation at the Dependence Clinic Västmanland, Västerås, Sweden.
Method: The study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. The
study is taken place during four hours on two investigating days, separated by a 4 days
wash-out period.
All patients participate on two occasions: In one session they receive the Methylphenidate
(MPH) condition, and in the other session they receive the placebo condition. MPH and placebo
conditions are counterbalanced across subjects such that half of the participants receive MPH
first, and the other half of the participants receive placebo first. Neither the participant
nor the research assistant is aware when the participant receive the MPH condition or the
placebo condition.
On each investigating day the participant accomplish Questionnaires (Visual Analogical
Scales) concerning; (a) expectation, (b) self-rated performance, (c) exhausting exercise, (d)
perceived help from the pill and (e) self-rated symptoms. In addition the participant
completed A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) and two separate Quantified Behavior Test
Plus (QbTest) without medication vs MPH/Placebo. QbTest aims to provide objective information
regarding core-symptoms of ADHD; hyperactivity on the basis of motor-activity measured with
the camera, and inattention and impulsivity on basis of the CPT-test.
The Quantized Behavior Test (QbTest) can be included as part of an neuropsychiatric
investigation. QbTest measures the three core signs of ADHD, hyperactivity, inattention and
impulsivity. QbTest is a computer-based test that combines a test of attention ability with a
movement analysis based on an infrared measurement system. The test results are presented in
a report and compared with norm data fromm a group of the same sex amd age who do not have
ADHD.