Memantine in the Treatment of Executive Function Deficits in Adults With ADHD: A Pilot-Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial

• Published in: Journal of attention disorders 2017-02, Vol.21 (4), p.343-352
• Main Authors: Biederman, Joseph, Fried, Ronna, Tarko, Laura, Surman, Craig, Spencer, Thomas, Pope, Amanda, Grossman, Rebecca, McDermott, Katie, Woodworth, K. Yvonne, Faraone, Stephen V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1087-0547; 1557-1246
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054714538656

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of memantine hydrochloride as an adjunct to stimulant pharmacotherapy for treating executive function deficits (EFDs) in adults with ADHD. Method: This was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of memantine added to open-label treatment with stimulant medication. Because of the small sample size, we considered a standardized mean difference (equivalent to effect size) of ≥0.5 and odds ratios ≥2 as indicators of trend improvements. Results: Twelve participants received memantine and 14 received a placebo. Trend improvements favoring memantine were observed on Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions–Adult Inhibition and Self-Monitor subscales when compared with Placebo. No significant changes were noted on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Conclusion: Among adults with ADHD and EFDs, adjunct treatment with memantine to osmotic release oral system-methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) was associated with improvements in selective areas of executive functioning, supporting the need for further research.