Abstract
BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of atomoxetine, a new and highly selective inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter, in reducing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adults by using drug-placebo response curve methods.MethodsWe analyzed data from two double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design studies of adult patients (Study I, N = 280; Study II, N = 256) with DSM-IV-defined ADHD who were recruited by referral and advertising. Subjects were randomized to 10 weeks of treatment with atomoxetine or placebo, and were assessed with the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Clinical Global Impression of ADHD Severity scale before and after treatment.ResultsThose treated with atomoxetine were more likely to show a reduction in ADHD symptoms than those receiving placebo. Across all measures, the likelihood that an atomoxetine-treated subject improved to a greater extent than a placebo-treated subject was approximately 0.60. Furthermore, atomoxetine prevented worsening of most symptom classes.ConclusionFrom these findings, we conclude that atomoxetine is an effective treatment for ADHD among adults when evaluated using several criteria.
Highlights
Several compounds are recognized as effective treatments for the major symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood
Data on clinical global impression (CGI) endpoints or Conners Adult attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Rating Scale (CAARS) ADHD index scores were not presented in the initial report, it is clear that atomoxetine had significant efficacy relative to placebo on all other measures derived from the CAARS or CGI assessments
The most reliable reductions in ADHD symptoms elicited by atomoxetine were seen for clinician-rated global impressions of ADHD severity, and investigator- and self-rated total ADHD symptoms
Summary
Several compounds are recognized as effective treatments for the major symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood. Atomoxetine, a highly selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor with little affinity for other neurotransmitter systems [1], has been shown to be well tolerated and effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in (page number not for citation purposes). Behavioral and Brain Functions 2005, 1:16 http://www.behavioralandbrainfunctions.com/content/1/1/16 Study II. Total ADHD Symptom Scores Inattentive Score Hyperactive/Impulsive Score Self-Rated CAARS Total ADHD Symptom Score Inattentive Score Hyperactive/Impulsive Score -0.4 ± 1.0. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of atomoxetine, a new and highly selective inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter, in reducing symptoms of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adults by using drug-placebo response curve methods
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