Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Background: This study investigates the prevalence and nature of colour vision deficiency in subjects with ADHD. With previous research hints at a potential association between altered colour perception and ADHD, comprehensive studies with detailed methodologies and robust statistical analyses are rare.

Methodology: 200 subjects are included in the study. 100 subjects are included who are diagnosed with ADHD and another 100 are included with age and gender matched controls without ADHD. Colour vision was evaluated using Ishihara charts and Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test. For statistical analysis, tests like logistic regression tests, t tests and chi square tests were used to evaluate and compare the outcomes of colour vision between ADHD and control groups.

Results: The study found that 30% of ADHD had colour vision defect compared to 10% in control group (χ² = 12.00, p < 0.001). Notably, 70% of ADHD subjects had shown red green colour vision deficiency compared to 40% of controls (χ² = 6.25, p = 0.012). Significant higher colour confusion score with Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Tests is found (mean = 80.5, SD = 12.3) as compared to control group (mean = 62.8, SD = 8.9; t = 4.25, p < 0.001). Logistic Regression analysis found ADHD as a substantial predictor of colour vision deficiency (OR = 3.67, 95% CI [1.82, 7.41], p = 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed moderate association between symptom severity of ADHD and colour vision deficiency. (r = 0.35, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: This study presents strong evidence that red green colour vision deficiency is more common in individuals with ADHD, compared to controls. These results emphasize the need of colour vision assessments in evaluating ADHD. It also highlights the need for further research to understand the neurobiological mechanism which drives the sensory processing anomalies.