The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prodrug stimulant, on the behavioral, academic, and psychosocial functioning of college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Twenty-five college students with ADHD from two universities (University of Rhode Island and Lehigh University) completed a within-subject, placebo-controlled research trial. Dependent measures tapping behavioral, psychosocial, and academic functioning were completed on a weekly basis across five conditions (baseline, placebo, and 30-mg, 50-mg, and 70-mg lisdexamfetamine).
Objective: Evaluate stimulant medication on symptoms and functioning for college students with ADHD using double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Method: Participants included 24 college students with ADHD and 26 college students without psychopathology. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) examined for ADHD participants over five weekly phases (no-drug baseline, placebo, 30, 50, \& 70-mg LDX per day). Self-report rating scales of functioning and direct assessment of ADHD symptoms, verbal learning/memory, and adverse side-effects were collected (baseline only for control students).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
50
30-mg, 50-mg, 70-mg administered for one week in context of double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design
Department of Education and Human Services, Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States
Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale - Short Version (CAARS)
CAARS ADHD Index, adult self-report measure of ADHD symptoms. T-scores (mean = 50; standard deviation = 10) for all subscales on the short version were used as dependent measures with higher scores representing greater ADHD symptomatology (and ultimately a worse outcome in this study).
Time frame: after receiving Placebo or LDX for 1 week
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult (BRIEF-A)
BRIEF-A is a standardized self-report measure that captures adults' views of their own self-regulation in their everyday environment. Metacognition Index T-scores (mean = 50; standard deviation = 10) were used as dependent measures with higher scores representing greater deficit in planning/organizational skills critical for college success.
Time frame: after receiving Placebo or LDX for 1 week
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