Memantine in the Treatment of Executive Function Deficits in Adults With ADHD.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of memantine hydrochloride as an adjunct to stimulant pharmacotherapy for treating executive function deficits (EFDs) in adults with ADHD.

METHOD:

This was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of memantine added to open-label treatment with stimulant medication. Because of the small sample size, we considered a standardized mean difference (equivalent to effect size) of ≥0.5 and odds ratios ≥2 as indicators of trend improvements.

RESULTS:

Twelve participants received memantine and 14 received a placebo. Trend improvements favoring memantine were observed on Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions-Adult Inhibition and Self-Monitor subscales when compared with Placebo. No significant changes were noted on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.

CONCLUSION:

Among adults with ADHD and EFDs, adjunct treatment with memantine to osmotic release oral system-methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) was associated with improvements in selective areas of executive functioning, supporting the need for further research.

• Authors: Joseph Biederman, Ronna Fried, Laura Tarko, Craig Surman, Thomas Spencer, Amanda Pope, Rebecca Grossman, Katie McDermott, K Yvonne Woodworth, Stephen V Faraone
• Journal: Journal of attention disorders (J Atten Disord) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 343-352 (02 2017) ISSN: 1557-1246 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24970718 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Central Nervous System Stimulants
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Methylphenidate
• Memantine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (drug therapy, psychology)
• Central Nervous System Stimulants (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Executive Function (drug effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Memantine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Methylphenidate (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Middle Aged
• Osmosis
• Pilot Projects
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult