Behavioral Economic MANET for the Treatment of ADHD

描述（由申请人提供）：注意缺陷多动障碍（ADHD）是儿童中最常见的精神障碍。精神兴奋剂药物和行为疗法——单独或联合——是治疗多动症相关功能缺陷的主要循证疗法。强化行为疗法可以减少使用药物的需要。不幸的是，强化行为治疗给家长和老师带来了沉重的负担，他们必须在现场执行繁琐的程序。这些负担往往导致原本有效的治疗方案执行不力。提出的研究是对一种创新技术的可行性测试，用于在该领域实施密集、个性化的行为治疗。这项技术可以克服管理个性化行为计划所固有的许多挑战。这种创新的方法利用了软件支持的人和自动嵌入式传感器的组合。这些传感器一起构成了一个无线移动自组网（MANET）。该网络运行算法来确定给定的行为实例是否有资格得到强化（或惩罚）。穴位的输送（或移除）以一种秘密的方式在手表或其他小家电上指示给孩子。与所有行为实例相关的数据将自动记录。行为计划是由易于使用的基于互联网的软件远程开发和监控的。密集的测量使远程行为信息学功能能够用于识别前因，并通过互联网远程持续评估治疗效果。拟议的研究进一步创新，因为它使用了最先进的可用性工程方法来改进行为程序的实施。在第一阶段SBIR提案中进行的可行性实验是(a)组装可用性和可靠性实验的试验台，(b)与20名家长和教师以及10名行为治疗师进行反复的可用性测试；(c)利用该技术对5名符合ADHD诊断标准的儿童实施行为计划。这个项目的成功完成将导致一种廉价和易于使用的技术来治疗与多动症相关的功能缺陷。多动症是青少年中最常见的精神疾病。提出的研究是为了测试一种利用无线网络测量和修改目标行为的创新技术。该技术可以大大提高个性化行为计划的有效性。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in children. Psychostimulant medication and behavioral therapy -- both alone and in combination -- are the primary evidence-based treatments for the functional deficits associated with ADHD. Intensive behavior therapy can reduce the need to use medication. Unfortunately, intensive behavior therapy places a substantial burden on the parents and teachers who must carry out the cumbersome procedures in the field. These burdens often lead to poor implementation of an otherwise effective treatment option. The proposed research is for the feasibility testing of an innovative technology for implementing intensive, individualized behavior therapies in the field. The technology may overcome many of the challenges inherent in administering an individualized behavioral plan. This innovative approach utilizes combinations of software-supported humans and automated embedded sensors. Together these sensors form a wireless mobile ad hoc network (MANET). The network runs algorithms for determining whether a given behavioral instance qualifies for reinforcement (or punishment). Delivery (or removal) of points is indicated in a clandestine fashion to the child on a wristwatch or other small appliance. Data related to all behavioral instances are logged automatically. Behavior plans are developed and monitored remotely with easy-to-use Internet-based software. The intensive measurement enables remote behavioral informatics capabilities that can be used to identify antecedents and continually evaluate treatment effectiveness remotely via the Internet. The proposed research is further innovative for its use of state-of-the-art usability engineering methods to improve the implementation of behavioral procedures. The feasibility experiments to be pursued in this Phase I SBIR proposal are (a) assemble a test bed for usability and reliability experiments, (b) conduct iterative usability tests with 20 parents and teachers and 10 behavior therapists; and, (c) utilize the technology to implement behavioral plans with 5 children meeting the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Successful completion of this project will result in an inexpensive and easy-to- use technology treating the functional deficits associated with ADHD. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder in youth. The proposed research is for the testing of an innovative technology for measuring and modifying targeted behaviors using wireless networks. The technology may substantially improve the effectiveness of individually- tailored behavioral plans.