AACAP conference highlights new research in treatment of ADHD.(Part Two of a Two-Part Report)

At the 51st annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), held from October 19-24th in Washington D.C., new research was presented concerning the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents. In last month's issue, we presented Part One of our report, focusing primarily on research studying the long-term use of atomoxetine.

In this issue, we will examine other ADHD medications as well as the use of these medications in special populations.

Part II: Adderall and special populations

As new medications are developed for treating children and adolescents with ADHD, information regarding their long-term safety, comparative differences and effects on special populations is needed. Several presentations at the AACAP meeting addressed this need, providing new evidence to assist physicians in safely and effectively treating their patients' ADHD symptoms.

Atomoxetine vs. MAS XR

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, UCLA and Shire Pharmaceutical compared the safety and efficacy of atomoxetine with mixed amphetamine salts (MAS) XR (Adderall XR) in children with ADHD. In this head-to-head, analog classroom study, both medications appeared to improve overall quality of life and were well-tolerated, but MAS XR was superior to atomoxetine in improving school functioning.

For this trial, 215 children diagnosed with ADHD were randomized to receive MAS XR (N=107) or atomoxetine (N=108). Subjects were excluded from this study if they were diagnosed with ADHD inattentive subtype. For each treatment group, approximately half of the children were between 6-8 years old and half were 9-12 years old. After a 4-day, single blind placebo lead in period, subjects received the assigned medication using a forced-dose titration…