Further validation of the THINC-it tool and extension of the normative data set in a study of n = 10.019 typical controls

Abstract

Introduction: We report further validation and normative data for the THINC-Integrated Tool (THINC-it), a measure of cognitive function designed for use with individuals living with Major Depressive Disorder, but which is finding use in further psychiatric and neurological diseases. THINC-it comprises four objective computerised cognitive tests based on traditional psychological paradigms and a version of the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire assessment.

Methods: Sample size of n = 10.019 typical control study participants were tested on one to two occasions to further validate the reliability of THINC-it. Temporal reliability was assessed across 120-180 days.

Results: Test-retest reliability correlations varied between r = 0.50 and 0.72 for the component measures and r = 0.75 (95% confidence intervals 0.74, 0.76) for the THINC-it composite score. Normative data categorised by Age, Sex and Years of Education were calculated and the effect on task performance was reported.

Discussion: Our analysis confirms previously reported levels of reliability and validates previously reported normative data values.

Keywords: THINC-it; attention; cognition; computerised cognitive testing; depression; memory; norms; psychometric.