Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts significantly on the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their families.
Choice of therapy is increasingly influenced by treatment satisfaction and patient preference, with once-daily modified-release
methylphenidate (MPH-MR) formulations offering clear benefits compared with immediate-release (IR) dosage forms. The effects
of MPH-MR on QoL in ADHD have not been widely investigated and need more clarity in practice. The open-label OBSEER study
evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of Equasym XL®, a MPH-MR formulation, in routine practice. Children and adolescents (aged 6–17 years) with ADHD and attending school were
included if Equasym XL® treatment was planned by the treating physician. Physicians, parents and patients completed questionnaires assessing QoL
(KINDL; parent, child or adolescent versions), satisfaction with medication, adherence and treatment tolerability at baseline
(Visit 1), 1–3 weeks (Visit 2) and 6–12 weeks (Visit 3) over a maximum 3-month observation period. Data from 822 consecutively
referred patients were analysed. QoL and medication satisfaction increased from Visit 1 to Visit 3, with both patients and
parents rating therapy with Equasym XL® as better than previous drug therapy. KINDL total score effect sizes were 0.67 (parents’ ratings), 0.52 (children’s ratings)
and 0.51 (adolescents’ ratings; all p < 0.001). All KINDL subscores also increased: both parents and patients had the greatest improvement for school. Adherence to Equasym XL® was frequently rated as superior to prior treatment, particularly compared with MPH-IR repeated dosing. Treatment was generally
well tolerated; approximately 3% of the patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Equasym XL® improved QoL compared with prior therapy, and resulted in good medication satisfaction and adherence in drug-naïve and previously
treated patients.
Choice of therapy is increasingly influenced by treatment satisfaction and patient preference, with once-daily modified-release
methylphenidate (MPH-MR) formulations offering clear benefits compared with immediate-release (IR) dosage forms. The effects
of MPH-MR on QoL in ADHD have not been widely investigated and need more clarity in practice. The open-label OBSEER study
evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of Equasym XL®, a MPH-MR formulation, in routine practice. Children and adolescents (aged 6–17 years) with ADHD and attending school were
included if Equasym XL® treatment was planned by the treating physician. Physicians, parents and patients completed questionnaires assessing QoL
(KINDL; parent, child or adolescent versions), satisfaction with medication, adherence and treatment tolerability at baseline
(Visit 1), 1–3 weeks (Visit 2) and 6–12 weeks (Visit 3) over a maximum 3-month observation period. Data from 822 consecutively
referred patients were analysed. QoL and medication satisfaction increased from Visit 1 to Visit 3, with both patients and
parents rating therapy with Equasym XL® as better than previous drug therapy. KINDL total score effect sizes were 0.67 (parents’ ratings), 0.52 (children’s ratings)
and 0.51 (adolescents’ ratings; all p < 0.001). All KINDL subscores also increased: both parents and patients had the greatest improvement for school. Adherence to Equasym XL® was frequently rated as superior to prior treatment, particularly compared with MPH-IR repeated dosing. Treatment was generally
well tolerated; approximately 3% of the patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Equasym XL® improved QoL compared with prior therapy, and resulted in good medication satisfaction and adherence in drug-naïve and previously
treated patients.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Supplement
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-011-0203-3
- Authors
- Aribert Rothenberger, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Andreas Becker, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Dieter Breuer, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Manfred Döpfner, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827