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Abstract:
Abstract: Despite its developmental significance, the
etiology of ADHD remains unknown. Current diagnoses are based on
behavioral criteria, making definitive diagnosis difficult. This
research validates a physiologic marker to diagnose, quantify, and
assess medication responsiveness of ADHD, based on bio-mathematical
interpretation of EEG data. The Consistency Index (CI) assumes that
ADHD impedes transition from one task to another and that this can
be quantified through a specific mathematical representation of EEG
data. ADHD subjects display less consistency than controls in the
transitions between cognitive tasks. Behavioral evidence suggests
that ADHD individuals with high intelligence [Full Scale IQ 120 or
above, WISC-III] are highly creative thinkers and problem solvers.
Therefore, in the context of the CI, ADHD subjects display more
consistent performance during creativity tasks [ The Torrance Tests
of Creativity - Figural and Incomplete Forms Tests]. This study
demonstrates that (1) the CI discriminates ADHD male subjects from
controls, (2) the CI correlates significantly with psychometric
measures of ADHD,(3) the CI is reliable over time and positively
influenced by Ritalin, and (4) the study provides the first
empirical documentation of creative aptitude in high functioning
ADHD individuals.
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