Do ADHD Treatments Improve Executive Behavior Beyond Core ADHD Symptoms in Adults? Evidence From Systematic Analysis of Clinical Trials.

We sought to understand the effect of current treatments for ADHD on executive functioning deficits, which are often comorbid with ADHD, via a systematic analysis of adult ADHD treatment studies evaluating change in behavioral measures beyond the core symptoms of DSM ADHD. The Standardized Mean Difference for behavioral measures of executive functioning was determined from controlled trials of adults with ADHD and compared with effects on core ADHD symptoms. Several studies of atomoxetine revealed small to large standardized mean differences. Non-replicated studies revealed small to medium effects for triple-bead mixed amphetamine salts, lisdexamfetamine, and forms of cognitive behavioral therapy. Proportional effect versus core ADHD symptoms ranged from .78 to 1.16 for atomoxetine, and 0.65 to 1.44 across all the studies. ADHD treatments have effects on executive functioning behavior beyond core ADHD symptoms in adults. Clinicians can measure and treat this morbidity using available clinical tools. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.