New research studies biological responses to ADHD Medications
Carlos Garrido
Issue date: 12/11/06 Section: Pulse
Researchers at UIC are studying the role that genetics play in the response to two different Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder medications. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, has been studied extensively and new medications have been developed to help combat this prevalent mental illness; however, not many studies have been conducted regarding genetics and individual response to these medications.
"We hope to be able to look at a child's biological characteristics to statistically predict who is more likely to respond to a certain medication and to determine who is more likely not to respond or to have a particular side effect," said Dr. Mark Stein, lead researcher on the project.
The study, to be conducted in New York and Chicago, will be led by Dr. Stein, a notable researcher and director of the Hyperactivity, Attention and Learning Problems Clinic at UIC, while Dr. Jeffrey Newcorn will be the principle investigator of the study in New York.
The experimental design study includes the evaluation of 160 children and adolescents between the ages of 7 and 17. The subjects will receive IQ, achievement, blood and physical exams, along with an initial psychiatric evaluation and an electrocardiogram test to measure each subject's eligibility to become a participant. Volunteers will be treated with atomoxetine (non-stimulant medication), melthylphenidate (stimulant medication) and a placebo in a blinded-dose sequence to determine the effectiveness of the medications. The researchers will then measure any ADHD symptoms and look for an increase in social and attention skills in the participants while taking the medications.
Two of the most common stimulant based medications used in the treatment of ADHD, Adderall and Concerta, and the most common non-stimulant based medication prescribed, Strattera, work by increasing the strength and effectiveness of chemical signaling. The two types of medications work differently among different people and this is what Dr. Stein and colleagues are working to quantify.
"We hope to be able to look at a child's biological characteristics to statistically predict who is more likely to respond to a certain medication and to determine who is more likely not to respond or to have a particular side effect," said Dr. Mark Stein, lead researcher on the project.
The study, to be conducted in New York and Chicago, will be led by Dr. Stein, a notable researcher and director of the Hyperactivity, Attention and Learning Problems Clinic at UIC, while Dr. Jeffrey Newcorn will be the principle investigator of the study in New York.
The experimental design study includes the evaluation of 160 children and adolescents between the ages of 7 and 17. The subjects will receive IQ, achievement, blood and physical exams, along with an initial psychiatric evaluation and an electrocardiogram test to measure each subject's eligibility to become a participant. Volunteers will be treated with atomoxetine (non-stimulant medication), melthylphenidate (stimulant medication) and a placebo in a blinded-dose sequence to determine the effectiveness of the medications. The researchers will then measure any ADHD symptoms and look for an increase in social and attention skills in the participants while taking the medications.
Two of the most common stimulant based medications used in the treatment of ADHD, Adderall and Concerta, and the most common non-stimulant based medication prescribed, Strattera, work by increasing the strength and effectiveness of chemical signaling. The two types of medications work differently among different people and this is what Dr. Stein and colleagues are working to quantify.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Louis Lohman
posted 12/11/06 @ 2:18 PM CST
I hope that Dr. Stein, et al., are successful, but where are they going to find children whose ONLY problem that might require medication is ADHD? ADHD is very often (if not MOST often) accompanied by other issues - Childhood Anxiety Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder not the least among them. (Continued…)
Traci Joyce
posted 1/25/07 @ 9:57 PM CST
My sons (2) have been on Concerta for 5 years now. I have 1 that is ADD and 1 that is ADHD. We got very lucky in that the first drug we tried worked very well. (Continued…)
shelly
posted 1/25/07 @ 11:34 PM CST
I have been aware of my ADHD since i was 6 yrs. old. I am now 29 yrs. old. In July of 2006 I started Strattera for my syptoms that had persisted since childhood. (Continued…)
Yolanda Johnson
posted 1/26/07 @ 6:54 AM CST
I hope that these new medications have a positive effect on ADHD. I have 2 sons with the disease. My oldest son can not take Concerta, Adderall, of Ridilan because he is unable to fall asleep at night even with a sleep aid. (Continued…)
Patricia Ritchie
posted 1/26/07 @ 10:40 PM CST
I'm very interested in the findings. I'm haveing lots of problems with my 10 year old daughter. Some days its like she don't even take her medication when she does. (Continued…)
JILL SOLT
posted 5/16/08 @ 10:40 PM CST
This will be very interesting to mr because I have 2 sons and my oldest I trying strattera Sunday along with adderall at the same time for one week.Then he will only take strattera. (Continued…)
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