Guocan Ma

Ms. Guocan Ma


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 December 2025 in Psychiatry International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
YTYi Ling Tan
Yi Ling Tan
GMGuocan Ma
Guocan Ma
RMRoger McIntyre
Roger McIntyre
KTKayla Teopiz
Kayla Teopiz
CDChristine E. Dri
Christine E. Dri
Roger HoRoger Ho
Roger Ho
Background: Clinical practice suggests that objective assessment tools are needed to assess adults with inattention or hyperactivity, informed by the underlying pathophysiology of attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review comprehensively evaluates the current objective assessment methods as an adjunct diagnostic tool for these adults. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies investigating various objective diagnostic methods to assess adults with ADHD and healthy controls. The database search occurred from its inception to 23 December 2024. Results: Our search yielded 46 studies that reported on various objective methods to assess adults with ADHD. The MOXO-distracted Continuous Performance Test (MOXO-d-CPT), eye-tracker with MOXO-d CPT, Conners’ Continuous Performance Test—3rd edition (CCPT-3), and oculomotricity can differentiate between true and feigned ADHD or other diagnostic possibilities. The Quantified Behavior Test (Qb Test+) can detect hyperactivity and differentiate it from other psychiatric disorders. Mono-d, CCPT-3, Qb Test+, Test of Variables and Attention (TOVA), Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT), and oculomotricity can monitor pharmacotherapy response. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers more promise than structural imaging and demonstrates a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity to differentiate adults with and without ADHD by performing the verbal fluency test. Notwithstanding, electroencephalography (EEG)/event-related potential (ERP) shows potential in diagnosis and treatment monitoring (e.g., neurofeedback training). In addition, transcriptome-based biomarkers have also been explored as diagnostic tools. Conclusion: The diagnosis and monitoring of ADHD in adults come with a unique set of challenges due to psychiatric comorbidity, including depression and anxiety; fluctuation of symptoms over time; and lack of consensus among clinicians and professional organizations to adopt objective tests in the diagnostic process. Our findings support the notion that a combination of clinical assessment and objective biomarkers targeting distinct pathophysiological aspects may enhance the accuracy of ADHD diagnosis.