The functioning assessment was part of a larger trial, of which the primary endpoint was to examine the ability of atomoxetine, the active ingredient in Strattera, to treat ADHD in children and adolescents with ADHD and anxiety disorders. Up to 35% of children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders such as separation anxiety, generalized anxiety or social phobia.
At the end of the study, atomoxetine significantly reduced ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity by 39%, compared to a 4% improvement in patients taking a sugar pill. Atomoxetine also significantly reduced anxiety symptoms like excessive worry, sweating and trembling by 32%, compared with 19% of patients taking a sugar pill.
A secondary analysis examined atomoxetine's affect on patient functioning. At the end of the study, patients taking atomoxetine saw a significant improvement in functioning compared to sugar pill.
“Treating ADHD in children is challenging, because of the complexity of the disease and the presentation of underlying issues such as anxiety,” said Dr Daniel Geller, director of the pediatric obsessive compulsive disorder program at Massachusetts General Hospital. “This study suggests that atomoxetine improved ADHD and anxiety symptoms in children with both ADHD and anxiety disorders.”