Children's Color Trails Test 1 & 2: test-retest reliability and factorial validity.

This investigation examined the test-retest reliability and the factorial validity of the Children's Color Trails Test 1 & 2 (CCTT) using two distinct and independent studies and their respective research samples. The reliability of the CCTT was evaluated in a study with 6-12-year-old children (n = 54) strictly selected and diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from an interventional protocol using test-retest coefficients at 8- and 16-week time intervals. Factorial validity was investigated using groups of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) (n = 137), children with other types of trauma than brain or head injury (Other Injury) (n = 132), and healthy controls (n = 114) from a protocol assessing the neuropsychological sequelae of traumatic brain injury. The results revealed completion time test-retest reliability in the moderate range, which may be considered modest (r(tt) =.46-.68) in this sample of children with ADHD. Interference reliability coefficients were greater and in the moderate-high range (r(tt) =.75-.78). Factorial analytic results revealed a three-factor structure solution for all three groups (TBI, Other Injury, and controls). As a result of CCTT's factorial loadings, Factor 1 was labeled speed of perceptual tracking and susceptibility to interference, Factor 2 was labeled inattention and impulsivity, and Factor 3 was labeled simple inattention. Relative limitations and strengths associated with this investigation including practice effects associated with repeated CCTT administrations also were addressed within the context of the extant findings and existing trail-making test literature.

Neuropsychological exploration of alleged mold neurotoxicity.

Cognitive and emotional correlates of toxic mold exposure and potential dose-response effects for both outcomes were investigated. Self-reported length of exposure, time since last exposure, and serum immunoglobulin (IgG) levels were assessed. Despite CNS complaints often seen with mold exposed individuals, overall results did not uncover concomitant cognitive deficits suggested in previous studies or a significant reduction in intellectual functioning. Fewer subjects were excluded as result of failing effort/motivation assessment than expected. Correlations of IgG and cognitive function are discussed. A dose-effect for self-reported length of exposure and cognitive outcome was not seen. The sample's overall Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory II (MMPI-2) profile indicated elevations on scales 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8. MMPI-2 clinical scales 1 and 3 were significantly correlated with length of exposure. The MMPI-2 may be sensitive to increasing physical and emotional sequelae as length of exposure increases. A potential subgroup of cognitively impaired outliers within mold exposure litigants is explored. Limitations of self-reported and objective measurements for mold exposure and exploratory statistical methodology are discussed.