University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers presented the study results - from one of the largest trials ever conducted of adult ADHD - today (May 21) at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting, the world's largest psychiatric conference.

"ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. While hyperactivity may sometimes diminish by adulthood, inattention and impulsivity often remain," said Dr. Richard H. Weisler, adjunct professor of psychiatry at UNC's School of Medicine.

"Our findings suggest that, as in children with ADHD, adults who have this condition can benefit from treatment with this product. This medication can significantly improve adults' ADHD symptoms and, subsequently, their ability to work, socialize and be more productive in everyday activities."

Weisler also is adjunct assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University Medical Center and has a private practice in Raleigh.

Analysis of a four-week, multi-center, phase III pivotal acute double-blind trial data of 248 patients indicated a once-daily extended-release mixed-salts amphetamine medication to be effective and well-tolerated for treating adults with ADHD, Weisler said.

This medication controlled ADHD symptoms up to 12 hours after a single morning dose. The 20-milligram daily dose was determined to be the minimum effective dose for adults with ADHD; for some patients, effectiveness improved as the dose was increased. Improvement in symptom management was maintained throughout the four-week study.

At the end of the trial, the average ADHD Rating Scale (or ADHD-RS) Total Scores, the primary measure of effectiveness, were significantly lower for each medication dose trea
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Contact: Deb Saine
deborah_saine@unc.edu
919-962-8415
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
21-May-2003