Visual Abstract

An open trial of guanfacine in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

A Small Trial of Guanfacine for ADHD

R D Hunt , A F Arnsten, M D Asbell

Summarized by:

Charles Li, MD

April 23, 2023

study source

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry

Jan 1995

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What they studied

This small, uncontrolled study, wanted to see whether guanfacine could safely reduce ADHD symptom severity.

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What they found

Volunteers experienced significant improvements in their ADHD symptoms after treatment, but the lack of a control group limits the usefulness of these date.

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What this means

This was one of the first of many studies on guanfacine in ADHD. Subsequent studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of guanfacine as an ADHD treatment.

An open trial of guanfacine in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objectives

This study wanted to see if guanfacine could be a potential treatment for ADHD. This was one of the first studies to examine the effectiveness as an ADHD treatment.

Of note, this is an older study. Newer, more robust studies have confirmed the effectiveness of guanfacine in ADHD. Because of studies like this one, guanfacine is an approved medication for ADHD today.

Study Quote

Hunt et al. 1995

Medications such as clonidine have been shown to facilitate calming, to enhance frustration tolerance, and to reduce aggression in hyperactive children. The use of guanfacine (Tenex), an alpha 2 noradrenergic agonist similar to clonidine, was studied as an alternative because of its long...

Methods

The study was conducted in 13 patients with ADHD. They were all given guanfacine and were evaluated for ADHD symptoms throughout the trial.

Study Quote

Hunt et al. 1995

Thirteen psychiatric outpatients diagnosed with ADHD were rated at baseline and while taking guanfacine to determine its efficacy as a treatment for ADHD. Comparisons of Conners parent ratings within subject were used to measure behavioral changes in the subjects.

Results

Participants in the study demonstratedsignificantly improved ADHD scores after treatment.

They also experienced significant improvements in hyperactivity and inattention specifically, as well as improvements in maturity.

While each of these measures reached statistical significance, it is important to note that the study did not have a control group.

It is unclear whether the effects are caused by the medication or by the placebo effect.

What is the placebo effect?

Study Quote

Hunt et al. 1995

During guanfacine treatment, patients' mean scores improved significantly overall (1.27 off, 0.85 on, t = 2.55, p < .015) and in Conners Hyperactivity (1.63 off, 0.94 on, t = 3.69, p < .01), Inattention (1.92 off, 1.21 on, t = 3.32, p < .01), and Immaturity (1.81 off, 0.92 on, t = 3.77,...

Conclusions

This study providedpreliminary evidence that guanfacine may be effective in treating ADHD.

While we can’t determine the effectiveness of guanfacine based on these data alone, subsequent studies have shown that guanfacine can be a safe and effective treatment for ADHD. It is approved and available for patients as a treatment option because of studies such as this one.

Study Quote

Hunt et al. 1995

This preliminary study indicates that guanfacine is a beneficial and useful treatment of ADHD, reducing hyperactive behaviors and enabling greater attentional ability with minimal side effects. We are currently collecting data in a double-blind study measuring guanfacine's efficacy with ...