Modafinil induces wakefulness, but its dopamine-releasing action in the nucleus accumbens is weak and dose-dependent; no likelihood of euphoric response ('abuse potential').
...a newly published study from the University of California at Berkeley focuses on girls with the condition, showing many of the same unfortunate results. Visible symptoms of hyperactivity and restlessness largely recede during adolescence, but the girls
two recent Cochrane reviews (Storebo et al, 2015; Punja et al, 2016a) questioned the quality of the evidence from available RCTs (see also a previous Mental Elf blog by Chris Hollis on this review).
Whilst meta-analyses of interventions (such as the available ones on ADHD drugs) often include parallel RCTs, no meta-analysis so far had pooled n-of-1 trials, defined as multiple crossover trials performed in a single participant, often with randomisation and blinding. Meta-analysing data from n-of-1 trials would allow aggregating data on individual response to treatment.
Punja and colleagues (Punja et al, 2016b) performed the first meta-analysis of n-of-1 trials, focusing on psychostimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine derivatives) for ADHD, for which numerous N-of-1 trials have been published.
Previous studies suggested that the presence of ADHD in children and young adolescents may affect the development of personality. Whether or not the persistence of ADHD in adult life is associated with distinct personality patterns is still matter for debate. To address this issue, we compared the profiles of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) that assesses personality dimensions in 119 adults ADHD and 403 controls.
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at elevated risk of a host of negative life outcomes, including both psychiatric and health complications.1 While the psychiatric complications are well established, the question of physical health outcomes is in need of clarification.1 As obesity becomes epidemic in our society, the question of whether ADHD, with its association of impulsivity, contributes to that risk, is salient.1 ,2 Dozens of studies have looked at this question, but with seemingly disparate results.2 Quantitative meta-analyses therefore are needed to clarify this association. The present authors have been leaders in this area so their assessment of the field is of considerable interest. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) is, with a prevalence of 5 %, a highly common childhood disorder, and has severe impact on the lives of youngsters and their families. Medication is often the treatment of choice, as it currently is most effective. However, medication has only short-term effects, treatment adherence is often low and most importantly; medication has serious side effects. Therefore, there is a need for other interventions for youngsters with ADHD. Mindfulness training is emerging as a potentially effective training for children and adolescents with ADHD. The aim of this study is to compare the (cost) effectiveness of mindfulness training to the (cost) effectiveness of methylphenidate in children with ADHD on measures of attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.