Digital tests to diagnose ADHD in children and young people have been approved for NHS use across England and Wales.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended in draft guidance that the technology can be used by NHS healthcare professionals to provide a quicker diagnosis to people with ADHD.

They issued draft guidance approving the use of the QbTest by psychiatrists and specialist children’s doctors. The computer-based test measures the three main characteristics of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

It will aid in the diagnosis of ADHD in children and young people aged six to 17.

The QbTest is a computer-based test that tracks the movement of participants while measuring three core symptoms of ADHD: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The results are then compared to data from a control group made up of people without ADHD of the same age and sex.

Evidence from the AQUA clinical trial showed that using the QbTest alongside a standard clinical assessment for ADHD resulted in a diagnostic decision being made for a larger proportion of people within six months of their first assessment appointment when QbTest results were available, compared with when they were not. It also resulted in clinicians being able to rule out ADHD in more cases.

Evidence presented to our committee showed the QbTest could increase the number of children and young people who get a diagnostic decision within 6 months of starting assessment.

Anywhere between one per cent and nine per cent of school-age children in the UK have ADHD, according to estimates using different diagnostic criteria.

Mark Chapman, director of NICE’s HealthTech: "NICE's guideline on the diagnosis and management of ADHD states a diagnosis should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD.

The diagnostic committee agreed that the QbTest should only be used to supplement professional judgement, and not replace it.