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Psychopharmacological Intervention Improves Emotional Behavior in Adults With ADHD
Including medication in treatment plans improves dysregulated emotional behavior that commonly occurs in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study published online ahead of print in the Journal of Attention Disorders.
“Undesirable emotional expression patterns are common in a range of mental health conditions identified in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual classifications of disorders,” the study authors wrote. “However, evidence suggests that impaired emotional regulation may be integral to some versions of ADHD.”
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The systematic review and analysis evaluated 14 controlled trials of adult ADHD that measured emotional behavior and treatment effects on both emotional and non-emotional behavior. Studies were included if another study offered a similar examination of the same treatment method.
Of the those surveyed, 13 studies demonstrated that methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and lisdexamfetamine resulted in significantly improved emotional behavior on at least 1 measure. The reported treatment effects on emotional versus non-emotional behaviors ranged from 46%-110% for methylphenidate, 56%-29% for atomoxetine, and 36%-96% for lisdexamfetamine.
“Psychopharmacological treatments for ADHD are likely to improve emotional behavior, and available scales are sensitive to these effects,” the researchers concluded. “Studies dedicated to treatment of this domain of function can further refine clinical approaches.”
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