Psychostimulant Treatment of Adults With Mental Retardation and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential effectiveness and tolerability of psychostimulants in adults with mental retardation (MR) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted in a clinic specialized in treating individuals with developmental disabilities. Improvement was assessed using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Community Version (ABC-C) and the global improvement item of the Clinical Global Impression scale. RESULTS: Ten consecutive adult outpatients were identified. Five were judged to be responders, based on impressions from chart review and the ABC-C. Significant improvements were observed in the hyperactivity and irritability subscales of the ABC-C. Adverse events were minimal and no patients required treatment termination. CONCLUSIONS: Psychostimulants might be effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of ADHD in adults with MR. However, larger prospective open-label studies, and, eventually, double-blind placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.