Examining the Effects of Stimulant Medication on Emotional Lability in Patients With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Detailed Summary

The aim of this study is to examine the mechanisms by which stimulant medications reduce symptoms in patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the investigators have found that the volumes of certain brain regions are reduced in patients with ADHD. The reduced volumes were much less pronounced if patients had been treated with stimulant medications, suggesting that stimulants may reduce the symptoms of ADHD by reversing these volume reductions. In a second and related study, the investigators found that in patients with ADHD, emotional processing was normalized when patients were taking stimulant medications. Both studies point to possible mechanisms by which stimulants are effective; however, a significant limitation of these findings is that they were derived from cross-sectional studies. In this current study, the investigators hope to replicate these treatment effects of stimulants in a prospective, controlled manner. The investigators plan to measure ADHD symptom severity in patients before and after 12-weeks of controlled treatment with either a stimulant medication or placebo while utilizing structural and functional MRI. Combining imaging with a randomized controlled trial will allow us to better assess the effects of stimulants on brain function and structure.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions