Effects of modafinil in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an open-label study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of once-daily dosing of modafinil, a stimulant that has a long duration of action, on clinical features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.


METHODS
An open-label design was used to compare the Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scale-Revised (L) (CPRS, CTRS), the ADHD Rating Scale-IV, and the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), without and with medication, in children with ADHD. Eleven children with ADHD, ranging in age from 5 to 15 years, took modafinil for an average of 4.6 weeks.


RESULTS
Average TOVA ADHD scores improved by 2.43 SD (p = .0009). CTRS and CPRS ADHD index T scores improved by an average of 14.1 (p = .0009) and 17.7 points (p = .001), respectively. The mean ADHD Rating Scale-IV scores improved from the 88th percentile to the 75th percentile (p = .047). One subject withdrew from the study because of an adverse event that was resolved completely with medication withdrawal. Other side effects were mild and responded to dose adjustment. No subjects required more than one dose per day.


CONCLUSIONS
Modafinil may be a useful once-daily treatment for children with ADHD. Further study using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design is needed.
Rugino
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Department of Pediatrics, Helping Hands Development Center, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA. rugino@marshall.edu
Copley
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D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077408:Modafinil; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil