Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, clonidine, methylphenidate, MPH
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two medications--clonidine and methylphenidate--alone or in combination to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children ages 4 through 6.
Detailed description
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disease characterized by one or more symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention that interfere with school, home, work, or social settings. ADHD does not have clear physical signs that can be seen in an x-ray or a lab test. The disorder only can be identified by looking for certain behaviors, which vary from person to person. This trial will compare the benefits and side effects of two medications--clonidine and methylphenidate (MPH)--used alone or in combination to treat ADHD in children. MPH is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children, and clonidine is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension in adults. Stimulant medications such as MPH are known to safely and effectively treat many ADHD symptoms. Such medicines, however, do not cure the condition or improve all ADHD symptoms, and the long-term effectiveness of these medications is not well-known. In this study, participants will be randomly selected to receive one of four treatments: 1) clonidine; 2) MPH; 3) clonidine and MPH; or 4) a placebo (an inactive substance). Participation in the study is about 16 weeks, and includes a baseline screening and 5 evaluation visits to assess attention, hyperactivity, overall improvement and general functioning, medication side effects, blood pressure, pulse, and weight.
Interventions
DRUGclonidine
Clonidine is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension in adults
DRUGmethylphenidate
Methylphenidate is known to safely and effectively treat many ADHD symptoms.
OTHERplacebo
inactive substance
Sponsors
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
University of Cincinnati
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
4 Years to 6 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Child with ADHD * Child ages 4 through 6 * Child attending a structured preschool or daycare
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of a tic disorder of any kind or a known active heart disease for which it would be unsafe to use the study drugs * Presence of pervasive developmental disorder, autism, mental retardation, or serious psychiatric illness * Child not attending a structured preschool or daycare
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| change in score on the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire for Teachers (ASQ-T) | at 16 weeks |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| the ASQ-Parent (ASQ-P) and Child Global Assessment Scales (C-GAS). Adverse events were monitored using AE logs, the Pittsburgh Side Effects Rating Scale, vital signs and electrocardiograms. | at 16 weeks |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed