Psychostimulant treatment of adults with mental retardation and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the potential effectiveness and tolerability of psychostimulants in adults with mental retardation (MR) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was conducted in a clinic specialized in treating individuals with developmental disabilities. Improvement was assessed using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Community Version (ABC-C) and the global improvement item of the Clinical Global Impression scale.


RESULTS
Ten consecutive adult outpatients were identified. Five were judged to be responders, based on impressions from chart review and the ABC-C. Significant improvements were observed in the hyperactivity and irritability subscales of the ABC-C. Adverse events were minimal and no patients required treatment termination.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychostimulants might be effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of ADHD in adults with MR. However, larger prospective open-label studies, and, eventually, double-blind placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Jou
Roger
R
Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Handen
Benjamin
B
Hardan
Antonio
A
D000328:Adult; D000661:Amphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D007508:Irritable Mood / Q000187:drug effects; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000661:Amphetamine