Extrait

Background and study aims Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder that affects behaviour. ADHD can present in a number of ways, but common symptoms include a short attention span, restlessness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These symptoms often overlap with and could be better explained by other common mental health disorders seen in offenders. A particular concern for children with ADHD is the high risk for developing antisocial behaviour during adolescence and young adulthood. Previous studies have shown that around 30% of adolescent and 26% of adult prisoners have ADHD. Currently, the drug methylphenidate is the first line treatment recommended for ADHD with severe impairment in the UK. Despite known effects of methylphenidate on ADHD symptoms, it is uncommon for offender mental health teams to diagnose and treat ADHD. The reason is uncertainty over the effects of methylphenidate on ADHD and behavioural outcomes in offender populations, where ADHD is often accompanied by conduct problems, substance abuse and stress related disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of methylphenidate in young male prisoners with ADHD. Who can participate? Male prisoners aged between 16 and 25 years with ADHD. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group are treated with a placebo (dummy pill) for eight weeks. Those in the second group are treated with methylphenidate for eight weeks. This involves gradually increasing the dose to find the best balance of symptom improvement against side effects for the first five weeks and then maintaining the dose for a further three weeks. At the start of the study and then after eight weeks, participants complete a number of questionnaires in order to find out if their ADHD symptoms, well-being and attitudes towards violence have changed. The prison officers and education staff also complete a questionnaire to find out if the prisoner’s level of aggressive behaviour has changed. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Study participants may benefit from receiving the diagnosis of ADHD and treatment for the disorder, as all participants will be offered treatment once the 8 week trial is completed. Common side effects from medication such as appetite reduction and sleep disturbance are usually minor and reduce with time, but can lead to some participants withdrawing from treatment. Serious side effects are rarely reported in ADHD treatment trials and so are likely to be rare and unexpected. Where is the study run from? The study is run from King’s College London and takes place in three prisons England and Scotland (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? May 2016 to July 2019 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (UK) Who is the main contact? Professor Philip Asherson [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Specialty: Mental Health, Primary sub-specialty: Learning disorders; UKCRC code/ Disease: Mental Health/ Behavioural and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp