NCT03420339 · Matthew J O'Brien, PhD, BCBA-D
Stimulant Effects on Disruptive Behavior
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to determine the effects of stimulant medication on disruptive behavior, function, preference and choice; however, it is primarily methodological and will add to current research by establishing an effective evaluation of the impact of stimulant medication on these behaviors.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to determine the effects of stimulant medication on disruptive behavior, function, preference and choice; however, it is primarily methodological and will add to current research by establishing an effective evaluation of the impact of stimulant medication on these behaviors. Three behavior assessments for children and adolescents diagnosed with AD/HD who exhibit disruptive behavior will be conducted: 1. Preference assessments will be conducted to determine whether preference for social and nonsocial items and activities differs under medication and non-medication conditions. 2. Functional analyses will be conducted to determine whether stimulant medication has an effect on the frequency and function or purpose of disruptive behavior. 3. Choice assessments will be conducted to evaluate the impact of stimulant medication on impulse control/delay discounting. This study will be conducted in three phases. For each of the 5 to 10 participants there will be 8 total visits. The first 4 visits will entail a preference assessment, followed by a functional analysis. On visits 1 and 3, the participant will be asked to take his/her stimulant medication as is typically done; however, on visits 2 and 4, the participant will be asked to refrain from taking the medication. For visits 5-8, participants will continue to participate in preference assessments, but will also be presented with a choice arrangement with work and play. In the choice arrangement, participants will be given four work cards and four play cards that they can organize in any order. Work cards will be associated with a brief academic task and play cards will be associated with a brief play period using high-preferred toys/activities. On visits 5 and 7 the participant will be asked to take his or her stimulant medication as usual, while on visits 6 and 8 the participant will be asked to refrain from taking his or her medication.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant must be a child or adolescent between the ages of 4 years, 0 months, and 13 years, 0 months (participants must not be older than 12 years, 11 months).
- Participant must have a valid diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). No specification of type (e.g., predominately inattentive type, predominately hyperactive-impulsive type, or combined type) will be necessary.
- Participant must exhibit disruptive behavior, defined as one or more of the following:
- physical or verbal aggression towards others: Hitting, kicking, biting, scratching, choking, spitting at, or throwing items at another person, and/or making insults, threats, or swearing at another person.
- self-injury: Hitting self, biting self, banging head on an object/hard surface, pinching self, or scratching self with visual skin damage.
- destruction: Damaging (or attempts to damage) personal or public property (e.g., breaking an object into two or more pieces, using an object to break other objects, ripping objects or parts of objects from walls, floors, or furniture, and denting cars, objects, or walls.)
- noncompliance:Regular occurrence of verbal refusal (e.g., saying "no", "I don't want to", "I won't do it" or "not now") to any academic or non-academic request, and/or any response that does not match the delivered instruction within 30 seconds from the time the instruction was delivered.
- tantrum:Crying (i.e., any vocalizations \[sounds or words\] accompanied by facial contraction with and without tears for any period of time) and/or screaming (occurrence of vocalizations above normal conversational volume for any period of time), with or without body flailing.
- an active diagnosis of disruptive behavior disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.
- Participant must already be prescribed a stimulant medication for the treatment of AD/HD symptoms and at an approved dose for age.
Exclusion criteria
- a diagnosis of autism, conduct disorder, or intellectual disability in the moderate, severe or profound range.
- prescribed or taking a stimulant dosage outside of recommended therapeutic range.
Where
- Iowa City, Iowa
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 17, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations