Forecasting Three-Month Outcomes in a Laboratory School Comparison of Mixed Amphetamine Salts Extended Release

Objective: Compare observed and forecasted efficacy of mixed amphetamine salts extended release (MAS-XR; Adderall) with atomoxetine (Strattera) in ADHD children. Method: The authors analyze data from a randomized, double-blind, mul-ticenter, parallel-group, forced-dose-escalation laboratory school study of children ages 6 to 12 with ADHD combined or hyperactive/impulsive type. Primary efficacy measures are attention and deportment scores on the SKAMP behavioral rat-ing scale, and secondary efficacy measures are academic performance scores from the PERMP test. Results: MAS-XR elic-its greater improvements than atomoxetine in each domain within 3 weeks of treatment, including attention, number of math problems attempted and correct, and overall clinical functioning. Treatment differences in each outcome measure at subse-quent weeks are projected from generalized estimating equations to become greater with the duration of extension of the treatment regimen. Conclusion: This study suggests that relative advantages of MAS-XR seen in the first 3 weeks are likely to be maintained in subsequent weeks. (J. of Att. Dis. 2007; 11(1) 74-82