Improvements in Executive Function Correlate with Enhanced Performance and Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life: Evidence from 2 Large, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials in ADHD
Abstract
Objective To assess whether improvement in executive function correlates with perceived improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who are treated with stimulant medication. Methods We collected data on executive function and HRQOL using the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS) and the ADHD Impact Module-Adult (AIM-A) during 2 large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the use of the triple-bead mixed amphetamine salt (MAS) SPD465 as stimulant pharmacotherapy for ADHD. BADDS and AIM-A data were collected at baseline and at study endpoint, and changes from baseline were assessed. Correlation coefficients for BADDS and AIM-A were calculated at baseline and endpoint for each study. Results The change from baseline in BADDS total score was -14.8 ± 24.49 in Study 1 (dose optimization strategy) and -26.1 ± 28.54 in Study 2 (forced-dose titration strategy), demonstrating substantial reported improvement in executive function. In both studies, improvement was reported for all 5 BADDS clusters at study endpoint versus baseline. While improvement was reported for all 6 AIM-A scales at study endpoint versus baseline, the most substantial change from baseline in AIM-A scores over the course of the studies was in Performance and Function (Study 1, +15.2 ± 25.68; Study 2, +26.3 ± 28.17). There was significant correlation of the BADDS total score with the AIM-A Performance and Func…
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BADDS scores predict clinical diagnosis of ADHD and multiple ADHD medication trials use the BADDS to assess symptom severity and improvement.
“BADDS scores predict clinical diagnosis of ADHD [36] and multiple ADHD medication trials use the BADDS to assess symptom severity and improvement [16,37–39].”
From Treating new-onset cognitive complaints after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy: A randomized controlled crossover trial of lisdexamfetamine (2024) · cites this paper as [38]
Improvements in ADHD symptoms may coincide with improvements in both EF and QOL.
“Moreover, improvements in ADHD symptoms may coincide with improvements in both EF and QOL [20].”
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- Authors
- Brown, T. E., & Landgraf, J. M.
- Affiliations
- Yale University (US)
- HealthActCHQ, Inc., Cambridge, MA
- Corresponding author
- Brown, Thomas E.
- ORCID
- Brown, Thomas E.
- Venue
- Postgraduate Medicine
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2010-09-01
- Volume
- 122
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 42-51
- ISSN
- 0032-5481 (ISSN-L)
- 1941-9260
- OpenAlex
- W2043954566
- Cited by
- 160
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 22 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 7 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 5
- FWCI
- 2.84
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Postgraduate Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
- Keywords
- executive function, health-related quality of life, adult ADHD, stimulant medication, dose titration
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Amphetamines, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Delayed-Action Preparations, Dextroamphetamine, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Double-Blind Method, Humans, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Quality of Life, Executive Function
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