Atomoxetine in comorbid ADHD/PTSD: A randomized, placebo controlled, pilot, and feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur.
• Cognitive deficits in PTSD may stem from fronto-temporal system disturbances similar to those in ADHD.
• ADHD can negatively influence PTSD treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of atomoxetine as an adjunctive treatment for Veterans with comorbid ADHD and PTSD.
• To assess the impact of atomoxetine on ADHD symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot study.
• Participants received either 80mg of atomoxetine daily or a placebo.
• Primary outcomes measured ADHD symptoms using CAARS-S:S, BAARS-IV, and AAQoL-29.

Main Results:

• Atomoxetine treatment led to significant reductions in ADHD symptoms (CAARS-S:S, p=.017) and a trend towards improvement in BAARS-IV (p=.087) and Go/NoGo errors (p=.06).
• No significant differences were observed in quality of life, PTSD symptom scores (CAPS), or Go/NoGo latency.
• Atomoxetine was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Atomoxetine demonstrated modest efficacy in improving ADHD symptoms in Veterans with comorbid ADHD/PTSD.
• The treatment did not significantly impact quality of life or PTSD symptoms.
• Atomoxetine is a potentially safe and viable option for managing ADHD symptoms in this patient population.