Selegiline in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: clinical efficacy and safety

Clinical effects of high-dose and low-dose selegiline treatment were examined in 24 adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study used a double-blind randomized three-arm parallel-groups design with a 2-week placebo baseline followed by 6 weeks of treatment (placebo, 20 mg/day, or 60 mg/day selegiline) and then by 2 weeks of placebo post-treatment. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no Drug x Time interaction and no main effect of Drug on severity of ADHD symptoms as self-rated by the subjects on the Conners Abbreviated Teacher Rating Scale (Conners ATRS). There was a significant effect of Time, indicating decreased ADHD symptom severity scores in all three groups. Selegiline treatment was not more effective than placebo. Side effects were more severe in the high-dose selegiline group than in either of the other groups. These preliminary results must be interpreted with caution because of methodological limitations in terms of sample size, patient population selection, and measurement tools.