Comparison of parent and teacher reports of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms from two placebo-controlled studies of atomoxetine in children.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The validity of parent reports regarding children's attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms has been questioned. This study assessed whether parent reports were as sensitive as teacher reports to document change in ADHD symptoms during clinical trials with atomoxetine.

METHODS:

Data were compared from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of atomoxetine using different versions (parent or teacher) of the same rating scale (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV [parent or teacher] Version: Investigator Administered and Scored - ADHD RS). Exclusion criteria included history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, seizures, alcohol abuse, or positive drug screen. Patients (6-16 years old) were treated with atomoxetine (titrated to a maximum dose of 1.8 mg/kg/day) administered once daily for up to 7 weeks. Parent and teacher ratings were compared using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model.

RESULTS:

The analysis (n = 318) showed that treatment effects (mean change, baseline to endpoint) were similar between parent and teacher ratings (total, p = .762; inattention, p = .519; hyperactive/impulsive, p = .955). Effect sizes also were similar based on total scores (parent ratings = .69; teacher ratings = .63).

CONCLUSIONS:

Parent reports are as sensitive as teacher reports in assessing the efficacy of long-acting pharmacologic treatment for ADHD in children during clinical trials using the nonstimulant atomoxetine.

• Authors: Joseph Biederman, Haitao Gao, Ann K Rogers, Thomas J Spencer
• Journal: Biological psychiatry (Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 60 Issue 10 Pg. 1106-10 (Nov 15 2006) ISSN: 0006-3223 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16806096 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
• Propylamines
• Atomoxetine Hydrochloride

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Atomoxetine Hydrochloride
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (drug therapy)
• Child
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Neuropsychological Tests
• Parents
• Personality Assessment
• Propylamines (therapeutic use)
• Teaching
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome