ADHD Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about ADHD, including details on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drugs, treatment, symptoms.

Psychostimulant treatment of adults with mental retardation and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Jou R, Handen B, Hardan A

Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

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.

Published 17 February 2005 in Australas Psychiatry, 12(4): 376-9.
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