Predicting response of ADHD symptoms to methylphenidate treatment based on comorbid anxiety.
OBJECTIVE
In this small pilot study, the association of comorbid anxiety with the treatment of ADHD is studied.


METHODS
Eighteen volunteers from a pediatric clinic are tested for ADHD and anxiety and assessed for behavioral and cognitive ADHD symptomology. Response to methylphenidate as treatment for ADHD symptoms is measured 2 to 3 weeks, and again 4 to 6 weeks following the diagnosis of ADHD.


RESULTS
Methylphenidate proves effective for treating ADHD symptoms (both behavioral and cognitive). Participants are categorized into two groups, those with ADHD and comorbid anxiety and those with ADHD alone. Behaviorally, no statistically significant differences are seen in response between the two groups; however; cognitively, the non-anxious group improves significantly more than the anxious group.


CONCLUSIONS
Although anxiety may not affect behavioral response to stimulant medication in ADHD, it does appear to affect the medication response of more subtle symptoms of cognitive performance in ADHD patients.
Blouin
Brittany
B
University of Guelph. brittany.blouin@mail.mcgill.ca
Maddeaux
Cindy
C
Stanley Firestone
Jill
J
van Stralen
Judy
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008774:Methylphenidate