Strattera Paper Database
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Efficacy of atomoxetine versus placebo in school-age girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Atomoxetine vs Placebo in ADHD Girls
October 25, 2024
author
Biederman J, Heiligenstein JH, Faries DE, Galil N, Dittmann R, Emslie GJ, Kratochvil CJ, Laws HF, Schuh KJ
journal
Pediatrics
Date Published
2002 Dec
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Study Summary
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What They Studied
The researchers examined the effectiveness of atomoxetine in treating ADHD in school-age girls.
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What They Found
The study found that atomoxetine was more effective than placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms and was well-tolerated by participants.
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What This Means
The findings align with current evidence that supports the effectiveness of atomoxetine (Strattera) for managing ADHD symptoms in children.
Study Summary
Study Overview
This study aimed to shed light on the effectiveness of atomoxetine in treating school-age girls with ADHD. By analyzing the effects of this medication, researchers discovered that girls exhibited a strong response to treatment. This work is significant as it adds to understanding ADHD in girls, a group often overlooked in related studies.
Understanding how atomoxetine helps these young patients can guide healthcare providers in making better treatment decisions for girls with ADHD.
Understanding how atomoxetine helps these young patients can guide healthcare providers in making better treatment decisions for girls with ADHD.
Abstract: background
The efficacy of atomoxetine was assessed in school-age girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine is a potent inhibitor of the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter with minimal affinity for other noradrenergic receptors...more
Study Size and Relevance
"The results reported here represent 1 of the largest studies of medication effects in school-age girls with ADHD."
Strong Response to Treatment
"Our findings clearly indicate that school-age girls with ADHD responded robustly to treatment with atomoxetine."
Need for Treatment Insights
"The data reported from this subset analysis of 2 identical placebo-controlled clinical trials address an important void in what is known about the treatment of school-age girls with ADHD."
Study Summary
Methods
Researchers involved 291 children, aged 7 to 13, diagnosed with ADHD based on standardized criteria. This study utilized data from 51 girls who were part of one of two combined clinical trials. Girls were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine or a placebo over a 9-week period.
A placebo is a treatment used to mimic the drug effects for comparison. ADHD symptoms were measured through scales rated by both parents and researchers to ensure reliability of the results.
A placebo is a treatment used to mimic the drug effects for comparison. ADHD symptoms were measured through scales rated by both parents and researchers to ensure reliability of the results.
Abstract: methods
A total of 291 children who were 7 to 13 years of age and met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for ADHD participated in 1 of 2 combined, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multisite, identical clinical tri...more
Study Summary
Results
The study found that atomoxetine outperformed the placebo in several ways. Participants on the drug showed notable improvements in overall ADHD symptoms, specifically in attention and impulse control measures. Parental and clinical scales confirmed these findings consistently.
Significant improvements were recorded as quickly as a week into the treatment, sustaining through the study's end. Minimal dropouts due to adverse effects suggest that the drug is reasonably well-tolerated among participants.
Significant improvements were recorded as quickly as a week into the treatment, sustaining through the study's end. Minimal dropouts due to adverse effects suggest that the drug is reasonably well-tolerated among participants.
Abstract: results
Atomoxetine was superior to placebo on the following measures: the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator Administered and Scored Total Score; the Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive subscales of the A...more
Study Summary
Conclusions
Overall, atomoxetine was determined to be an effective treatment for ADHD in school-age girls. The findings indicate that it can significantly reduce symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity.
The study suggests that atomoxetine is a promising option for managing ADHD symptoms in girls of this age group, balancing effectiveness with tolerability.
The study suggests that atomoxetine is a promising option for managing ADHD symptoms in girls of this age group, balancing effectiveness with tolerability.
Abstract: conclusions
Atomoxetine was found to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of ADHD in school-age girls.
Background Information
Patient Guide
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Atomoxetine for ADHD Treatment
FDA-approved for ADHD treatment in children over six, making it relevant for school-age girls.
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Role as Norepinephrine Inhibitor
Atomoxetine selectively inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, a key action in ADHD management.
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ADHD Treatment Program
Medication part of a comprehensive treatment plan with psychological and social interventions.
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Age and Dosing Specifics
Atomoxetine dosing for children is based on weight, aligning with the study's focus on school-age girls.
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Common and Serious Side Effects
Side effects include headache, nausea, and potential severe risks like liver injury, requiring monitoring.
Professional Guide
Expert Opinion: Atomoxetine vs Placebo in ADHD Girls
The study's demonstration of atomoxetine's effectiveness aligns with expert consensus, highlighting its role among nonstimulant medications for reducing ADHD symptoms in school-age children.
Despite its effectiveness, clinicians must consider atomoxetine's US boxed warning for increased suicidal ideation, necessitating careful monitoring.
Additionally, growth and potential for psychiatric symptoms should be closely monitored in children prescribed atomoxetine.
Despite its effectiveness, clinicians must consider atomoxetine's US boxed warning for increased suicidal ideation, necessitating careful monitoring.
Additionally, growth and potential for psychiatric symptoms should be closely monitored in children prescribed atomoxetine.
Evidence Summary
Impact of Methylphenidate on Social Behavior
Five studies examine how methylphenidate, often known as Ritalin, impacts social behavior and interactions. This ADHD medication is frequently used to enhance communication skills and social relationships. The research explores the medication's potential improvements in social dynamics among individuals, providing valuable insights into its broader effects beyond just attention management.
Evidence Summary
Comparing Atomoxetine and Methylphenidate for ADHD
When comparing Atomoxetine and Methylphenidate for ADHD treatment, the focus is on their effectiveness, side effects, and patient responses. Both medications aim to manage ADHD symptoms but work differently and have varied impacts.
Understanding these differences helps readers grasp how each medication may influence treatment choices and outcomes in patients, particularly in terms of effectiveness and tolerability.
Understanding these differences helps readers grasp how each medication may influence treatment choices and outcomes in patients, particularly in terms of effectiveness and tolerability.
Evidence Summary
Strattera's Limited Impact on Schoolwork and Focus
ADHD drugs, including Strattera, have been shown to help children complete up to 15% more schoolwork and spend 14% more time focused in the classroom. However, Strattera was notably less effective than other medications in improving both behavior and academic performance.
While other ADHD treatments generally improve accuracy on tasks like arithmetic, Stratteraβs impact on academic achievement was minimal across studies, despite overall benefits in focus and behavior.
While other ADHD treatments generally improve accuracy on tasks like arithmetic, Stratteraβs impact on academic achievement was minimal across studies, despite overall benefits in focus and behavior.
