Adult ADHD
Visual Abstract
Atomoxetine treatment in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid social anxiety disorder
Summarized by Charles Li, MD
December 9, 2022
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Does Strattera work for those with anxiety and ADHD?
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According to one study, it might be able to help both social anxiety and ADHD.
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Researchers ran a clinical trial and found that those given Strattera had improved ADHD and social anxiety symptoms.
Atomoxetine treatment in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid social anxiety disorder
Background
Strattera is a medication used to treat ADHD. Unlike medications like Ritalin or Adderall, Strattera is not a stimulant. It behaves more like an antidepressant.
Researchers in this clinical trial wanted to see whether Strattera could be used in patients with both social anxiety and ADHD.
Anxiety can be common among those with ADHD. Studies have shown that it can affect ADHD symptom severity and how we experience ADHD:
Study Quote
To evaluate the effect of atomoxetine (ATX) on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid social anxiety disorder in adults.
Design
Researchers recruited nearly 500 patients. They gave around half of these patient Strattera and gave the other half a placebo control.
They provided these medications for 14 weeks.
At the end of the study, they measured how much ADHD symptoms and anxiety symptoms changed for patients in both groups.
These measurements were done using standard symptom scales in the form of questionnaires.
Study Quote
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, conducted in adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder. Patients received 40-100 mg ATX (n=224) or placebo (n=218) for 14 weeks following a 2-week placebo lead-in period. Efficacy measures included the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale: Inv...
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Effect on ADHD Symptoms
Researchers first wanted to see whether Strattera could work in patients with social anxiety.
Having multiple medical conditions can affect how well medications work. This is one of the reasons why doctors ask about your entire medical history before choosing the proper remedy to prescribe.
Fortunately, Strattera appears to work well in patients who also have social anxiety.
According to tests taken before and after the study, patients given Strattera had reduced ADHD symptoms more than the control group.
A small clinical trial found that Strattera could reduce ADHD symptoms in patients who also suffered from anxiety.
Study Quote
ATX mean change (-8.7+/-10.0) from baseline (29.6+/-10.4) on CAARS:Inv:SV Total ADHD Symptoms score was significantly greater than placebo mean change (-5.6+/-10.2) from baseline (31.2+/-9.4; P<.001). ATX mean change (-22.9+/-25.3) from baseline (85.3+/-23.6) on LSAS Total score was sign...
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Effect of Strattera on Anxiety
Researchers wanted to see whether Strattera could also reduce anxiety symptoms.
While Strattera is not officially approved as an anxiety treatment, it shares a mechanism with SSRIs, one of the most commonly prescribed anxiety treatments.
A small clinical trial found that Strattera could help reduce anxiety symptoms in those with ADHD.
Based on this small clinical trial, researchers found that patients with social anxiety who were given Strattera had fewer reduced social anxiety symptoms after treatment.
It’s essential to bear in mind that Strattera is not an approved treatment for anxiety, nor has it been extensively tested as an anxiety treatment.
But, this finding offers evidence that there could be some side benefits to Strattera if you also have anxiety with your ADHD.