ADHD - you can see it in the eyes

[Guest guest]

Can you smell the manure?

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Health/ADHD--you-can-see-it-in-the-eyes/2005/01/17/11\

05810845640.html?oneclick=true

ADHD - you can see it in the eyes

January 18, 2005

Page Tools

Scientists have developed a simple eye test that can diagnose hyperactive

children.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 7percent of

school-age children in Britain and the condition can prove hard to diagnose.

Researchers from Brunel University in west London have come up with a

10-minute test to identify children likely to need special attention because

of ADHD.

The Pavlidis test involves children looking at a spot of light on a computer

screen and following it with their eyes as it moves in different patterns.

Until now diagnosis of the disorder has been achieved through subjective

questionnaires. The Brunel team believes it has found the world's first

objective and biological test for the condition.

Pavlidis and Panagiotis Samaras, from the university's school of

sport and education, looked at whether there was a significant link between

the eye movements of children aged four to six and the symptoms of the

disorder.

The researchers found significant differences in the eye movement of

children with the disorder and children without it. The ADHD group had much

more erratic patterns of eye movement.

The computerised test correctly identified 93 per cent of children as either

having the disorder or normal.

" This biological test proved to be objective, and highly accurate, and can

be used at pre-school age, " Professor Pavlidis said. " The discovery is also

important internationally as the test operates equally effectively

regardless of language, race, culture and IQ. "

Professor Pavlidis said early diagnosis of ADHD would allow children to

receive proper treatment that would reduce learning, behavioural and

secondary psychological problems.

Children with the disorder are often treated with medication, such as

Ritalin, to control their symptoms. The drugs can help them lead a more

normal life, but can also have side effects.

[Guest guest]

Can you smell the manure?

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Health/ADHD--you-can-see-it-in-the-eyes/2005/01/17/11\

05810845640.html?oneclick=true

ADHD - you can see it in the eyes

January 18, 2005

Page Tools

Scientists have developed a simple eye test that can diagnose hyperactive

children.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to 7percent of

school-age children in Britain and the condition can prove hard to diagnose.

Researchers from Brunel University in west London have come up with a

10-minute test to identify children likely to need special attention because

of ADHD.

The Pavlidis test involves children looking at a spot of light on a computer

screen and following it with their eyes as it moves in different patterns.

Until now diagnosis of the disorder has been achieved through subjective

questionnaires. The Brunel team believes it has found the world's first

objective and biological test for the condition.

Pavlidis and Panagiotis Samaras, from the university's school of

sport and education, looked at whether there was a significant link between

the eye movements of children aged four to six and the symptoms of the

disorder.

The researchers found significant differences in the eye movement of

children with the disorder and children without it. The ADHD group had much

more erratic patterns of eye movement.

The computerised test correctly identified 93 per cent of children as either

having the disorder or normal.

" This biological test proved to be objective, and highly accurate, and can

be used at pre-school age, " Professor Pavlidis said. " The discovery is also

important internationally as the test operates equally effectively

regardless of language, race, culture and IQ. "

Professor Pavlidis said early diagnosis of ADHD would allow children to

receive proper treatment that would reduce learning, behavioural and

secondary psychological problems.

Children with the disorder are often treated with medication, such as

Ritalin, to control their symptoms. The drugs can help them lead a more

normal life, but can also have side effects.