Predicting Treatment Response to Stimulants in Adult ADHD Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Certain brain characteristics have been identified in individuals with persistent and
remitted ADHD. We predict that neural functional connectivity; specifically decreases in
connectivity between the posterior cingulated cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, as well
as decreases in anticorrelations between the medial prefrontal cortex and dorsolateral
prefrontal cortex, will predict greater response to stimulant treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Male or female adults ages 18-55 years

- Right handed

- A diagnosis current of childhood onset ADHD, according to the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) based on clinical
assessment

- A score of > 20 on the Adult ADHD Investigator Symptom Report Scale (AISRS) or a
CGI-Severity score of > 4 (moderate severity)

Exclusion Criteria:

- A history of non-response or intolerance to stimulants at adequate doses as
determined by the clinician

- Pregnant or nursing females

- Serious, unstable medical illnesses including hepatic, renal, gastroenterological,
respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrinologic (thyroid), neurologic (seizure),
immunologic, or hematologic disease

- Glaucoma

- Clinically unstable psychiatric conditions including suicidality, homocidality,
bipolar disorder, psychosis, or lifetime history of a clinically serious condition
potentially exacerbated by a stimulant, such as mania or psychosis

- Tics or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome

- Current (within 3 months) DSM-IV criteria for abuse or dependence with any
psychoactive substance other than nicotine

- Current use of psychotropic medications

- Current use of MAO Inhibitor or use within the past two weeks

- Claustrophobia or an standard contraindications to MRI scanning (metal in body)

- Investigator and his/her immediate family; defined as the investigator's spouse,
parent, child, grandparent or grandchild