Treatments for Fathers With ADHD and Their At-Risk Children (Fathers Too)

Summary

In contrast to mothers with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the impact of paternal ADHD in families and children with ADHD symptoms has not been studied, despite the prevalence of ADHD in males. Thus, the investigators do not know the feasibility, impact on treatment on the family and child, and effects of treating fathers relative to mothers with ADHD. Paternal ADHD is associated with negative parenting and child conduct problems. The investigators hypothesize that successfully treating parental ADHD in fathers will have a beneficial effects on the family that will extend to the child. Specifically, the investigators believe that stimulant medication ((Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) or a different ADHD medication if poor response to LDX) with fathers will reduce father's ADHD symptoms and improve parenting. Effects of stimulant treatment of fathers will be compared to Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) on parenting, and paternal and child outcomes in fathers with ADHD who have children between the ages of 3 -8. As in the investigator's previous work, the investigators will bank paternal and child DNA and RNA for later examination of pharmacogenetic and epigenetic effects (i.e. RNA) of stimulant response.

Timeline

Start

2015-12

Primary completion

2018-08-31

Completion

2018-08-31

Publications

• Boesen K, Paludan-Muller AS, Gotzsche PC, Jorgensen KJ. Extended-release methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Feb 24;2(2):CD012857. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012857.pub2.

Drugs

Indications