Atomoxetine treatment for ADHD: younger adults compared with older adults.
OBJECTIVE
Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant medication for treating child, adolescent, and adult ADHD. This meta-analysis compared the effects in younger and older adults.


METHODS
A post hoc analysis was conducted using data from two double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Data from patients aged 18-25 years were compared with data from patients older than 25 years.


RESULTS
In younger adults (mean age = 21.7), atomoxetine produces greater improvement than placebo on the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale's total ADHD symptom score (p = .041, effect size = .797) and the clinical global impressions severity (p = .006, effect size = 1.121). In older adults (mean age = 43.4 years), atomoxetine also produces significant benefit on the CAARS-Inv:SV (p < .001, effect size = .326) and CGI-ADHD-S (p < .001, effect size = .346). The study findings reveal response rates to be 56.4% and 47.8% for the younger and older adults, respectively (p = .188). Tolerability is similar although older adults reported more sexual side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Younger and older adults show similar improvements at endpoint. The effect size is higher in younger adults, but this is due primarily to greater variability of response in older patients.
Durell
Todd
T
Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, USA.
Adler
Lenard
L
Wilens
Timothy
T
Paczkowski
Martin
M
Schuh
Kory
K
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride