Investigator ratings of ADHD symptoms during a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of atomoxetine: a comparison of parents and teachers as informants
Bohnstedt, B.N.; Kronenberger, W.G.; Dunn, D.W.; Giauque, A.L.; Wood, E.A.; Rembusch, M.E.; Lafata, D.
Journal of Attention Disorders 8(4): 153-159
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1087-0547
PMID: 16110045
DOI: 10.1177/1087054705278797
Accession: 049406353
This study compared investigator ratings of ADHD symptoms based on interviews with parents and teachers during a doubleblind, placebo-controlled study of atomoxetine. Investigators completed the ADHD Rating Scale: Investigator (ADHDRS-I) based on separate semistructured interviews with the primary caretaker and teacher of the participant. Interviews were conducted at Visits 2 to 7 during a double-blind treatment protocol comparing atomoxetine (N= 10) and placebo (N= 6). Both parent and teacher-based ratings were sensitive to change in ADHD symptoms with atomoxetine treatment. Parent-based assessment differentiated significantly between treatment with atomoxetine and placebo, whereas teacher-based assessment was less sensitive to change. Parents and teachers showed good agreement on change in ADHDRS-I scores. Investigator ratings based on parent- and teacher-report were sensitive to change in symptoms of ADHD during treatment with atomoxetine. Despite good agreement between parent- and teacher-based ratings of symptom change, parent-based ADHD symptom ratings are more sensitive to symptom change.