Adderall Improves Life for Those With ADHD
Study finds long-term use helps children and adults with attention disorder
HealthScoutNews — The quality of life for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) improves with long-term use of a once-daily stimulant called Adderall XR.
The results of this, the largest ADHD clinical trial to date, were presented May 21 at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting in San Francisco.
The seven-week, open-label study included 2,900 children previously treated with a stable dose of ADHD medication, either methylphenidate HC1 or another methylphenidate product or a mixed salts amphetamine product.
After they were switched to once-daily Adderall XR, the children showed better symptom management and significant improvement in their quality of life as measured on the 23-item Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, the study says.
“This largest study ever of ADHD patients establishes the significant improvements that treatment with the once-daily mixed salts amphetamine medication brings in decreasing symptoms. Such symptom control allows children to functionally improve and participate in life, such as engage in sports, get along with other kids, or help with chores,” lead investigator Dr. Paul J. Ambrosini, a professor of psychiatry at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, says in a news release.
In a separate study, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found adults with ADHD treated long-term with an extended-release mixed-salts amphetamine medication maintained significant symptom improvement.
The study of 248 adults with ADHD was also presented May 21 at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting.
“ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. While hyperactivity may sometimes diminish by adulthood, inattention and impulsivity often remain,” researcher Dr. Richard Weisler, adjunct professor of psychiatry, says in a news release.
“Our findings suggest that, as in children with ADHD, adults who have this condition can benefit from treatment with this product. This medication can significantly improve adults’ ADHD symptoms and, subsequently, their ability to work, socialize and be more productive in everyday activities,” Weisler says.
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