Evaluating Continuous Performance Tests as Embedded Measures of Performance Validity in ADHD Assessments: A...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Accurate assessment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires evaluating the credibility of reported symptoms.
• Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are utilized as potential embedded validity indicators in clinical evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) as embedded validity indicators in adult ADHD assessments.
• To investigate the influence of study design (simulation vs. criterion) and sample type (student vs. nonstudent) on CPT validity.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies involving 3,021 participants and 67 effect sizes.
• Analysis included simulation studies and analogue studies, examining moderating variables like study design and sample type.

Main Results:

• CPTs demonstrated a moderate ability to distinguish credible from noncredible performance (g = 0.73).
• Effect sizes were significantly larger in simulation studies (g = 0.94) compared to criterion group studies (g = 0.55).
• No significant differences were found between student and nonstudent samples.

Conclusions:

• Continuous Performance Tests (CPTs) are valuable embedded validity indicators in the assessment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The interpretation of CPT findings is influenced by study design, with simulation studies yielding larger effect sizes.
• Due to moderate effect sizes, clinical decisions regarding ADHD should integrate CPT results with a comprehensive battery of measures.