Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

    J Atten Disord. 2008 Jan;11(4):459-69. Epub 2007 Oct 12.

    Medications do not necessarily normalize cognition in ADHD patients.

    Gualtieri CT, Johnson LG.

    North Carolina Neuropsychiatry Clinics, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA. tg@ncneuropsych.com

    OBJECTIVE: Although ADHD medications are effective for the behavioral components of the disorder, little information exists concerning their effects on cognition, especially in community samples. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of ADHD patients treated with three different ADHD drugs was conducted. Patients' performance on a computerized neurocognitive screening battery was compared to untreated ADHD patients and normal controls (NML). A total of 177 ADHD patients aged 10 to 18, achieved a favorable response to one of the following medications: Adderall XR (AMP), atomoxetine (ATMX), and Concerta (MPH-OROS) compared to 95 untreated ADHD patients and 101 NML. RESULTS: Significant differences were detected between normals and untreated ADHD patients. Treated patients performed better than untreated patients but remained significantly impaired compared to normal subjects. CONCLUSION: Even with optimal treatment, based on parents' and teachers' opinions, subtle and not-so-subtle neurocognitive impairments persisted in the ADHD patients. Some ADHD patients may require additional educational assistance, even in the face of successful medication treatment.

    PMID: 17934180 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    Supplemental Content

    Click here to read

    Patient drug information

    • Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin®)

      Dexmethylphenidate is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other peop...

    • Methylphenidate (Concerta®, Metadate®, Methylin®, ...)

      Methylphenidate is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people ...

    • Atomoxetine (Strattera®)

      Atomoxetine is used as part of a total treatment program to increase the ability to pay attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in children and adults with ADHD. Atomoxetine is in a class of medications ca...