The Effects of ADHD Medication (TEAM) Study
Grant #: R01MH105425
PI: Tanya E. Froehlich, MD
Collaborators: Jeff Epstein, Ph.D.; Julia Anixt, MD; Leanne Tamm, Ph.D.; Ryan Adams, Ph.D.; Mark Stein, Ph.D. (Seattle Children’s Hospital); William French, MD (Seattle Children’s Hospital); Floyd Sallee, Ph.D. (University of Cincinnati); James Swanson, Ph.D. (University of California Irvine)
The primary goal of the proposed research is to conduct the first randomized, double–blind, placebo-controlled trial specifically designed to study the neurobehavioral effects of MPH discontinuation over multiple time points.
A sample of 180 children (ages 7 – 11) diagnosed with ADHD will be recruited across two sites and randomly assigned to one of three groups:
- MPH discontinuation
- Sustained MPH
- Sustained placebo condition
Multi-informant (parents, teachers, study staff) and multi-modal (direct behavior observations, behavior/mood/affect rating scales, standardized cognitive and academic testing) methods will be used to assess a broad range of outcomes. We will address the following specific aims:
Aim 1: Examine the magnitude and time course of effects of MPH discontinuation on behavioral functioning and affect in children with ADHD.
Aim 2: Examine the magnitude and time course of effects of MPH discontinuation on cognitive and academic functioning in children with ADHD.
Aim 3 (Exploratory): Examine potential moderators (e.g., MPH dose, sex, and baseline psychiatric comorbidity) of the adverse effects of MPH discontinuation on behavioral and cognitive functioning in children with ADHD.
