|
Sign In to gain access to subscriptions and/or personal tools.
|
Sensitivity and Specificity of Long Wave Infrared Imaging for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Robert Coben, Ph.D.*
and
Thomas E. Myers, M.S.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: robcoben{at}optonline.net.
 |
Abstract |
|---|
Objective: This study was the first to investigate the efficacy of long wave infrared (LWIR) imaging as a diagnostic tool for ADHD. Method: This study was conducted to assess the sensitivity and specificity of LWIR imaging as a method of diagnosis among 190 patients (ages 4.4-57 years) with various diagnoses, including ADHD, who came into our office for neuropsychological evaluation. Results: LWIR imaging demonstrated a moderate level of sensitivity (65.71%) in identifying patients with ADHD and a high level of specificity (94%) in discriminating those with ADHD from those with other diagnoses. The overall classification rate was 73.16%. This was indicative of a high level of discriminant validity in distinguishing between patients with and without ADHD. There was a moderate level of agreement between LWIR imaging and multiple other diagnostic tests for ADHD. Conclusions: LWIR imaging demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic tool for ADHD. These results provide evidence for the efficacy of a novel, quick, and effective way to investigate the physiological basis of one of the most prevalent childhood psychiatric disorders. (J. of Att. Dis. XXXX; XX(X) xx-xx)
First published on May 8, 2009, doi:10.1177/1087054708329778
Journal of Attention Disorders 2009;13:56.
A more recent version of this article appeared on July 1, 2009

CiteULike Complore Connotea Del.icio.us Digg Reddit Technorati Twitter What's this?
|
|