Reading performance as a function of treatment with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in elementary school children diagnosed with ADHD.
BACKGROUND
Medication treatment studies of ADHD have typically not assessed effects on reading performance, although reading difficulties frequently co-occur in children with ADHD. The current study characterizes the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX; Vyvanse(®), Shire US Inc.), at peak efficacy, on reading performance in children with ADHD.


METHODS
Children (ages 6-12; N = 26) with ADHD enrolled in a modified laboratory school study with an open-label, dose-optimization phase of LDX (30-70 mg/d). The Gray Oral Reading Test-4 (GORT-4) with measures of rate, accuracy, and comprehension was administered at baseline and 3-4 hr postdose, following 4 to 5 weeks of optimal dose titration.


RESULTS
Treatment reduced ADHD symptoms. Reading rate was improved, especially among children with higher verbal fluid reasoning without additional symptoms of neurodevelopmental delay. No differences were observed for reading accuracy or comprehension.


CONCLUSIONS
Endophenotypical profiles may predict drug effects in specific skill areas, such as reading rate.
University of California, Child Development Center, Irvine, CA, USA. sbwigal@uci.edu
Sharon B
SB
Wigal
Stephanie
S
Maltas
Francis
F
Crinella
Annamarie
A
Stehli
Kenneth
K
Steinhoff
Kimberley
K
Lakes
Sabrina
S
Schuck
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000069478:Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate; D008297:Male; D011932:Reading; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000069478:Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine