Pairing Placebo with Stimulant Medication to Reduce Stimulant Dose

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who received placebo with stimulant medication reduced their dose by 50%.

Thirty percent of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have clinical responses to placebo in double-blind studies of stimulant medications (70% respond to stimulants). Investigators examined whether pairing placebo with stimulant medication allowed children with ADHD to be maintained on lower doses of stimulant medication.

Ninety-nine children (age range, 6–12 years) who met DSM-IV criteria for ADHD completed a 1-month, double-blind, dose-finding study for mixed amphetamine salts and then were randomized to one of three treatment groups for the second month: 50% dose reduction with placebo, 50% dose reduction only, or no dose reduction (full dose). The dose-reduction/placebo group received a novel, conditioned placeb…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics