Recently Jane has stated that Tenex has been found to be " just as good 
as Ritalin" for ADHD. She stated that this was true, with her usual and 
typical certitude. I have disagreed with her.
Well, I did read the article. After our exchange, I re-read it. In the 
Journal of the American Academy Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Jan 
1995, the study is reported. This is a peer reviewed journal.
The researchers are from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Thirteen psychiatric out patients with ADHD were tested. Mean scores on 
the Connors parent rating scale were improved. 
The article states the conclusion that this "preliminary study" shows 
that guanfacine (Tenex) is a beneficial and useful treatment for ADHD. 
It reduced the hyperactive behaviors and enabled greater attention with 
minimal side effects.
HOWEVER, the authors went on to say that they are collecting data in a 
double blind study measuring guanfacine's efficacy with and in 
comparison to methylphenidate (Ritalin).
So, on its face, the study specifically REFUTES Jane's claim. There are 
other problems.
The study was of only 13 test subjects, which is hardly a statistically 
significant sample. The study has not been duplicated elsewhere.
The other problem, and a major one at that, is that this was not a 
double blind placebo controlled study. The purpose of this type of study 
is to rule out any possibility of a placebo effect. The study was not 
directly up against Ritalin.
Thus, the advice I received from one of the researchers to stick with 
what works, is, IMNSHO, solid advice. Don't look for changing meds as 
yet.
I should point out that guanfacine is chemically similar to clonidine 
which is already used in TS/ADHD as a control for tics. Josh takes it in 
the evenings for this reason, and the effects on him are minimal.
 * RM 1.31  * Eval Day 19 * JOUST NAKED @==>>============>
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