Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a comprehensive review

An Objective Assessment of Effect of Stimulants on Attention in Individuals With ADHD

INTRODUCTION

Currently, assessing ADHD treatment response to stimulants relies on rating scales and subjective questionnaires and sometimes a CPT. Such tools fall short of objective, quantifiable measurement of effect, especially in natural settings and can result in inconsistent treatment.

METHOD

We report results from two studies using a novel proof-of-concept approach. A preliminary trial of 10 individuals used a high-fidelity eye tracker; a second study of 100 individuals used webcams at the participants' homes.

RESULTS

Both studies evaluated stimulant effect using reading behavior analysis, being an ADHD symptom that stimulants affect and a major symptom patients want to improve. Both showed a significant change in reading behavior related to medication state, suggesting a clear, objective measure of stimulant effect.

CONCLUSION

Using ubiquitous hardware, investigators created a user-friendly treatment assessment platform where individuals can collect their own objective data within minutes in any setting where they have access to a web camera and computer.

Oral intake of carboxy alkyl ester improves attention: A randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To test the null hypothesis that oral intake of the dietary supplement carboxy alkyl ester (CAE) would have no effect on attention as revealed by mean rapid visual information processing (RVIP) scores.

METHODS

In a randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled trial, healthy participants (age 19-66 years) of both sexes were randomly assigned to consume 700 mg of CAE or 700 mg of placebo. They received baseline attention testing via the RVIP task. Then they consumed CAE or placebo followed by RVIP testing. Participants were then given a washout period where they did not consume CAE or placebo. Afterward, individuals who initially consumed CAE were given the placebo and those who initially consumed the placebo were given CAE. Finally, all participants were tested again via RVIP.

RESULTS

A priori statistical computation revealed that 30-day oral intake of CAE improved mean RVIP test scores (t = 2.4, p < .05) relative to that at baseline, which resulted in a rejection of the null hypothesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily oral intake of the CAE dietary supplement may boost attention and further research is now needed to confirm this observation.