Effects of ADHD Stimulants Seem Benign in Healthy Primates

But the use of healthy animals limits the relevance for patients with ADHD.

Because of concerns about the chronic treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), two research groups have now studied the behavioral, cognitive, physiological, and developmental effects of stimulants in preadolescent and adolescent healthy primates.

In the study by Soto and colleagues, primates received behavioral training and took methylphenidate (MPH), amphetamine, or vehicle for 6 months at doses comparable to human clinical use. Then, after a 2-month drug hiatus, animals underwent a 1-year treatment period. Analyses revealed no significant between-group differences during and after treatment in behavior, cognition, dopamine transporter binding, dopamine D₂ receptor activity, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Gill and colle…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose