The purpose of this study is to find out whether atomoxetine (also called Strattera) helps teenagers (12-19) with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and drug/alcohol problems.
Evidence-based psychosocial treatments have recently been developed. However, very little data exist on the use of pharmacotherapy for adolescents SUD (Substance Use Disorder). One promising pharmacotherapy approach is to treat co-occuring psychiatric disorders. A common co-occurring disorder in adolescent SUD is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fortunately, new ADHD medications, such as atomoxetine, that do not have addictive potential are now available. However, all controlled studies of atomoxetine have specifically excluded teens with SUD. Therefore, little data exist on the safety and efficacy of the medication in this population. This research project will address the important research gap with the specific aim: to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of atomoxetine for ADHD in teens with SUD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
70
Half of participants are randomized to atomoxetine plus individual cognitive behavioral therapy targeting substance use disorder
Half of participants are randomized to placebo plus individual cognitive behavioral therapy targeting substance use disorder
Denver Health Medical Center
Denver, Colorado, United States
Change in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Checklist
All 18 ADHD symptoms are rated on a scale of 0 (none) to 3 (severe) since the previous study visit. The scores are summed to create a total ADHD severity scale score ranging from 0 (none) to 54 (most severe). A single value of mean change in ADHD severity for each group (placebo and atomoxetine) was calculated using linear mixed models in an intent-to-treat an analysis.
Time frame: baseline and weekly through week 12 post randomization
Time Line Followback Interview (TLFB)
The TLFB assesses the number of days in which a substance was used in the past 28 days. The TLFB is administered by the clinician and uses a 28-day calendar with anchor points to record this information. This instrument relies on confidential self-report of the adolescent participant. The result is reported as mean change in the number of days used substances in the past 28 days from baseline to the end of treatment using linear mixed models in an intent-to-treat analysis.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Side Effect Form for Children and Adolescents (SEFCA)
The SEFCA is a clinician-administered instrument that systematically assesses 52 possible side effects and rates them on a scale of 0 (not present) to 3 (severe). The instrument relies on confidential, self-report of the adolescent.The number of serious adverse events was recorded by intervention assignment.
Time frame: weekly from randomization to 12 weeks post-randomization
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