The Program to Evaluate, Enhance Attention Regulation and Learning (PEARL), a clinic at Seattle Children’s Hospital, aims to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related problems using the most current and effective treatments. Dr. Mark Stein, director at the PEARL Clinic and an investigator in Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, leads ongoing research studies and currently enrolls patients.
Mothers first
Stein estimates that 20% of ADHD children have a parent with the same disorder. Adults with ADHD are more challenging to diagnose than children because the symptoms are often less apparent, and ADHD is considered a childhood disorder primarily. ADHD parents may experience excessive forgetfulness, difficulty managing time, organization, and stress intolerance. This can have a negative impact on parenting.
Stein stated that ADHD is a common reason children don’t respond well to ADHD treatment. Stein also said that ADHD parents are the leading cause of ADHD-related problems in children. “If parents leave ADHD untreated, it is more likely that they will forget to take their child’s medication, miss appointments, lose their behavioral charts, or fail to notice positive behavior when it occurs.”
Stein leads “Mother’s First,” a study with Andrea Chronis Tuscano, Ph.D., University of Maryland. This research aims to determine if treating ADHD mothers might delay the onset of ADHD among children. The study includes a diagnosis of ADHD and 16 weeks’ treatment for mothers with ADHD using medication and/or parent training sessions. The study consists of assessments for both mothers and their children. Mothers and children with ADHD are included in the study.
Genetics and medication response
Stein will collaborate with Dr. Carol Rockhill (child and adolescent psychiatrist and investigator at Seattle Children Research Institute’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research) to conduct a second study that will monitor ADHD medication side effects and determine whether a child’s genetics and other factors may affect ADHD medication reactions. This study is called the Response Impressions and Side Effects Scale. Parents report side effects such as poor sleep or appetite. DNA is also collected from saliva samples of trial participants.
Clinicians could use the study results to better monitor ADHD medication safety and predict the adverse effects of ADHD medications in children.
Stein stated that it can be challenging to know which treatment is best for ADHD children. “This research could provide us with biological indicators that will allow us to prescribe the best medications to children sooner,” Stein said.
Children aged between 4 and 12 years will participate in the study. They are children who have just started treatment for ADHD symptoms in primary care clinics or outpatient psychiatry. The ADHD treatment will involve a questionnaire that asks patients to complete questionnaires regarding changes in ADHD symptoms.
The Effects of ADHD Medication Study (TEAM) is a second clinical trial that evaluates medication responses in ADHD children. Participants are given an ADHD evaluation by clinicians that includes a school observation, a physical, and a medical history. Clinicians determine the best medication dosage and assess the effect of treatment on each child. They also observe the children in class using other methods.
If a child has ADHD and autism
Stein will collaborate with Dr. Soo Jeong Kim, a child psychiatrist and investigator at Seattle Children Research Institute’s Center for Integrative Brain Research, on a study that will determine if QuillivantXR, an FDA-approved ADHD medication, could be used to treat children with autism and attention problems.
Stein stated that Quillivant XR, a common ADHD medication, has also been used off-label for autism. “But, very few studies have attempted to treat ADHD and autism. Some children may be more sensitive or unable to swallow pills. This study will determine if it is possible to treat both ADHD and autism in children with both conditions.
Children aged 5-16 years old will be screened by Seattle Children’s. If they are eligible, Quillivant XR will be administered for six weeks. To search for biomarkers indicating specific responses to the treatment, investigators will also take saliva DNA samples from patients.
Parents with ADHD children aged 6-11 can enroll at Camp Seastar, a summer program Stein designed for ADHD children. The treatment program aims to improve socialization and self-esteem through parent training and instruction in sports. Contact Libby Bliss via the email or phone number above for more information.
