Objective: In this small pilot study, the association of comorbid anxiety with the treatment of ADHD is studied.
Methods: Eighteen volunteers from a pediatric clinic are tested for ADHD and anxiety and assessed for behavioral and cognitive ADHD symptomology. Response to methylphenidate as treatment for ADHD symptoms is measured 2 to 3 weeks, and again 4 to 6 weeks following the diagnosis of ADHD.
Results: Methylphenidate proves effective for treating ADHD symptoms (both behavioral and cognitive). Participants are categorized into two groups, those with ADHD and comorbid anxiety and those with ADHD alone. Behaviorally, no statistically significant differences are seen in response between the two groups; however; cognitively, the non-anxious group improves significantly more than the anxious group.
Conclusion: Although anxiety may not affect behavioral response to stimulant medication in ADHD, it does appear to affect the medication response of more subtle symptoms of cognitive performance in ADHD patients.