Clinical validity of Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test in identifying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Neuropsychological assessments such as the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Conners' Continuous Auditory Test of Attention (CATA) are frequently used to evaluate visual and auditory attention in individuals suspected of having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-2 CPT) is a computerized assessment tool designed to measure both visual and auditory attention, as well as response control, in individuals aged six years and older. This study aimed to evaluate the discriminant validity of the IVA-2 CPT in identifying ADHD in children. A total of 152 children diagnosed with ADHD and 72 control participants were recruited from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. All participants completed the IVA-2 CPT, CPT, and CATA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed, and the area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess discriminant validity. Children with ADHD performed significantly worse on the IVA-2 CPT, with lower scores on the Attention Quotient (FSAQ), the overall and component scores of the Response Control Quotient (FSRCQ), and the Comprehension Index. The IVA-2 CPT demonstrated good discriminative validity (AUC = 0.76-0.82), comparable to the CPT-3 (AUC = 0.70-0.77) and superior to the CATA (AUC = 0.61-0.67). The IVA-2 CPT shows good discriminant validity in identifying ADHD in children, and validity remained consistent across subgroups stratified by age (≥10 years and <10 years) and gender. It appears to be a promising and reliable tool for the comprehensive assessment of visual and auditory attention in clinical settings.