Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Specific Quality of Life With Triple-Bead Mixed Amphetamine Salts (SPD465) in Adults: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Thomas J. Spencer, MD; Jeanne M. Landgraf, MA; Lenard A. Adler, MD; Richard H. Weisler, MD; Colleen S. Anderson, MEd; Sharon H. Youcha, MD

J Clin Psychiatry 2008;69(11):1766-1775

Article Abstract

Objective: To assess the quality of life (QOL) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) given triple-bead mixed amphetamine salts (MAS), a long-acting amphetamine formulation designed for a duration of action of up to 16 hours.

Method: 274 adults with ADHD (DSM-IV-TR criteria) were randomly assigned to 7 weeks of double-blind treatment with an optimal dose of triple-bead MAS (12.5 mg to 75 mg) (N = 137) or placebo (N = 137). As a secondary objective of this study, QOL was assessed on the basis of self-reported Adult ADHD Impact Module (AIM-A) scores, describing ADHD-specific QOL in 6 domains and global QOL (questions 1-4). To assess safety, data were collected on adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms, laboratory tests, and sleep quality. The trial was conducted from January 2005 to June 2005.

Results: Statistically significant improvement between triple-bead MAS and placebo was observed in all 6 ADHD-specific AIM-A subscales. In addition, statistically significant improvement in global QOL between triple-bead MAS and placebo was seen, based on AIM-A question 1 (p = .0006) and question 4 (p = .0001). Patients’ age, gender, race, and prior use of stimulant medication were not found to significantly affect AIM-A subscale scores. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events with triple-bead MAS (insomnia, dry mouth, decreased appetite, headache, and weight decreased) were consistent with amphetamine treatment, and their incidence generally decreased with time.

Conclusions: Adults with ADHD showed significantly improved QOL for both ADHD-specific and global measures with triple-bead MAS in comparison to placebo, based on AIM-A scores. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly mild to moderate in intensity and were consistent with amphetamine treatment.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00150579