The Weekly Mind Reader: A Potential New ADHD Treatment

A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study investigated solriamfetol as a new treatment option for adults with ADHD. 

Initially approved for sleep disorders like narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, solriamfetol stimulates the central nervous system to improve wakefulness. Unlike common ADHD stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin, solriamfetol operates differently, positioning it as a compelling alternative therapy.

Optimistic Data

This robust 6-week trial included 60 adults and employed multiple scales, including the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Rating Scale (AISRS) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI), to gauge both symptom severity and overall well-being. These scales provide a standardized framework for evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment and patient progress.

The therapy yielded promising results for managing ADHD symptoms. By the study’s conclusion, 45 percent of participants on solriamfetol experienced significant improvement, as opposed to just below seven percent in the placebo group. Additional benefits surfaced as well, including enhanced overall functioning and less sleepiness. 

The scores on the Global Assessment of Functioning were notably more favorable in the solriamfetol group (a change of -4.8) compared to the placebo group (a change of -0.3). All of these results were statistically significant. 

Safety assessments also favored solriamfetol. The medication did not trigger significant cardiovascular issues or other serious adverse events. However, some participants did report side effects like reduced appetite and insomnia at rates noticeably higher than the placebo group.

The study did have certain limitations. For example, more women took solriamfetol than men, leaving some questions about potential gender-based impacts. Moreover, although increasing the drug dosage could have produced even better outcomes, caution prevailed due to possible effects on heart rate and blood pressure.

Unique to this study is its online-only format. This research marks the first examination of solriamfetol’s effects on adult ADHD and stands as the only fully-remote clinical trial in this field to date. While calling for further research, the study’s authors suggested that solriamfetol may be a suitable choice for certain patients, particularly given its Schedule IV classification and lower abuse potential.

The study was published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

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