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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderPhase 4NCT00799487

CONCERTA Lab School Study

A Phase 4 study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, run by Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC at 3 sites in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this trial is to determine if the study medication, CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl), is safe and effective in improving academic performance and behavior in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when compared to placebo. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 9 to 12 years
Conditions the study is for
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
89 participants
Where
3 sitesUnited States
Study dates
2 Jan 2009to 26 Jun 2009
Phase
Phase 4
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 9 to 12 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • ADHD diagnosis of all subtypes (except Not Otherwise Specified)
  • Patients with total or subscale Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (ADHD RS-IV) scores > =90th percentile relative to the general population of children by age and gender
  • Patients currently receiving ADHD medication must be inadequately managed on their current stimulant dose and meet this criteria at the screening visit
  • Ability to read and understand English
  • Ability to attend school regularly

Who cannot join

  • Estimated Full Scale IQ score of 80 or below, Severe Learning Disability
  • History of or current, primary diagnosis of: severe anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, psychotic disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Eating Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sleep Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, Chronic Tic Disorder, personal or family history of Tourette's Syndrome
  • Weight < 3rd percentile for age
  • History of hospitalization for treatment of a mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorder
  • History of failed response to methylphenidate

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country.

United States3 sites
  • Study site

    Durham, North Carolina

  • Study site

    Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Study site

    Little Rock, Arkansas

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Evaluating the Academic, Behavioral and Cognitive Effects of CONCERTA on Older Children With ADHD (The ABC Study)

The purpose of this trial is to determine if the study medication, CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl), is safe and effective in improving academic performance and behavior in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when compared to placebo.

Read the detailed description

The hypothesis is that CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) is safe and effective in improving academic performance and behavior in children with ADHD when compared to placebo as demonstrated using specified study measures. This is a double-blind (neither participant nor investigator knows the name of the assigned study drug), randomized (study drug assigned by chance), placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluating the academic, behavioral and cognitive effects of CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) on older children with ADHD This means that all eligible children will receive treatment with methylphenidate HCl throughout the study (the titration and assessment periods) and inactive pill (placebo) on 1 of the 2 laboratory classroom days. On the other laboratory classroom day they will receive their regular dose of CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl). The primary efficacy variable in this study is the Permanent Product Math Test (PERMP) attempted score. Secondary Measures include: SKAMP (Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham), tests of inattention, reading fluency and comprehension, and memory. Assessments will be completed during each of the laboratory assessment days (12.5 hours). Participants will be assessed for adverse events throughout the study. Patients will initiate treatment with oral CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) 18 mg at baseline and continue morning dosing with increases every 3 to 7 days until an optimal dose is achieved, up to the maximum of 54 mg/day. Eligible patients will remain in the study for a maximum of 8 weeks.

Being tested
CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) or placebo
Keywords
ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Medical subject headings
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) or placeboDrug

    Optimal Subject Dose (18mg-54mg) once daily during Lab School Day #1 with placebo on Day #2

  • CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) or placeboDrug

    Optimal Subject Dose (18mg-54mg) once daily during Lab School Day #2 with placebo on Day #1

Study groups in NCT00799487
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
1ExperimentalCONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) or placebo Optimal Subject Dose (18mg-54mg) once daily during Lab School Day #1 with placebo on Day #2
Receives: Drug: CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) or placebo
2ExperimentalCONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) or placebo Optimal Subject Dose (18mg-54mg) once daily during Lab School Day #2 with placebo on Day #1
Receives: Drug: CONCERTA (methylphenidate HCl) or placebo

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Hour 4 Permanent Product Math Test Attempted Score (PERMP-Attempted)

    PERMP (range: 0, 400) is a measure of academic productivity. These seatwork math tasks provide an objective measure of attention and accuracy in calculations. The level of difficulty is established on a screening math pretest. The subsequent laboratory school day assessments employed a series of 10-minute math tests (5 pages of 80 math problem each for a total of 400 problems available). Children were graded on the number of attempted problems. A higher number of problems attempted was indicative of greater attention to detail (higher score is preferable.)

    Measured: Hour 4 of the Double-Blind Assessment Period Lab School Day

  2. Hour 4 Permanent Product Math Test Correct Score (PERMP-Correct)

    PERMP (range: 0, 400) is a measure of academic productivity. These seatwork math tasks provide an objective measure of attention and accuracy in calculations. The level of difficulty is established on a screening math pretest. The subsequent laboratory school day assessments employed a series of 10-minute math tests (5 pages of 80 math problem each for a total of 400 problems available). Children were graded on the number of correct problems. A higher number of problems correct, of those attempted, was indicative of greater accuracy.

    Measured: Hour 4 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

Secondary outcomes (23)
  1. Hour 4 Swanson, Kotkin, Alger, M-Flynn and Pelham Scale for Deportment (SKAMP-Deportment)

    The SKAMP scale measures the manifestations of ADHD using an independent observer (teacher) rating of children impairment in classroom behavior. The SKAMP-Deportment (SKAMP-D) (range: 0,36) is a sum of ratings on 6 deportment items (interacting with other children, interacting with adults, remaining quiet, staying seated, complying with the teacher's directions, and following the classroom rules). Each item was rated on a 7-point impairment scale (0=normal, 6=maximum impairment), with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.

    Measured: Hour 4 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  2. Hour 4 Swanson, Kotkin, Alger, M-Flynn and Pelham Scale for Attention (SKAMP-Attention)

    The SKAMP scale measures the manifestations of ADHD using an independent observer (teacher) rating of children impairment in classroom behavior. The SKAMP-Attention (SKAMP-A) (range: 0, 42) is a sum of the ratings on 7 attention items (getting started, sticking with tasks, attending to an activity, making activity transitions, completing assigned tasks, performing work accurately, and being neat and careful while writing or drawing). Each item was rated on a 7-point impairment scale (0=normal, 6=maximum impairment), with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.

    Measured: Hour 4 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  3. Hour 4 Swanson, Kotkin, Alger, M-Flynn and Pelham Scale for Composite (SKAMP-Composite)

    The SKAMP scale measures the manifestations of ADHD using an independent observer (teacher) rating of child impairment in classroom behavior. A composite score (range: 0, 78) for the SKAMP variable (13 items total) was obtained by summing the SKAMP-D and SKAMP-A subscale scores. A lower score was preferable, as a higher score represented greater behavioral impairment.

    Measured: Hour 4 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  4. Hour 5.5 Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) ADHD Score

    The TOVA is a computerized, visual continuous performance test which provides measures of attention. The stimulus, presented for 100 milliseconds (ms) at the rate of 30 per minute, is a computer-presented square containing a square hole near the top (target) or bottom (non-target) edge. The first half of the TOVA requires that the child sustain attention while the second half requires inhibition of response to a non-target (observed range: -15.2, 5.2). An ADHD score of less than -1.80 is suggestive of ADHD.

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  5. Hour 5.5 Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) Reaction Time (Msec)

    The TOVA is a computerized, visual continuous performance test which provides measures of attention. The stimulus, presented for 100 milliseconds (ms) at the rate of 30 per minute, is a computer-presented square containing a square hole near the top (target) or bottom (non-target) edge. The first half of the TOVA requires that the child sustain attention while the second half requires inhibition of response to a non-target. Mean response latency in msecs (observed range: -75.4, 129.5). Higher score indicates faster reaction time.

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  6. Hour 5.5 Test of Variables of Attention(TOVA) Reaction Time Variability (Standard Deviation in Milliseconds (Msecs))

    The TOVA is a computerized, visual continuous performance test which provides measures of attention. The stimulus, presented for 100 milliseconds (ms) at the rate of 30 per minute, is a computer-presented square containing a square hole near the top (target) or bottom (non-target) edge. The first half of the TOVA requires that the child sustain attention while the second half requires inhibition of response to a non-target. SD of response times (msecs) (observed range: -177.6, 132.9). Higher score indicates less variability.

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  7. Hour 5.5 Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML-2) Finger Windows Backwards

    WRAML-2 (range: 0, 28) is designed to evaluate a child's ability to learn and to memorize information, consists of 9 subtests from which 4 summary indexes can be calculated: verbal memory index, visual memory index, learning index, and general memory index. During this test the investigator pointed to a longer and longer series of windows on a card at the rate of 1 location per second, and then the child was asked to reproduce the sequence exactly in reverse order. One point was given for each correctly recalled sequence, and the test was discontinued after 3 consecutive errors.

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  8. Hour 5.5 Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML-2) Finger Windows Forwards

    WRAML-2 (range: 0, 28) is designed to evaluate a child's ability to learn and to memorize information, consists of 9 subtests from which 4 summary indexes can be calculated: verbal memory index, visual memory index, learning index, and general memory index. During this test the investigator pointed to a longer and longer series of windows on a card at the rate of 1 location per second, and then the child was asked to reproduce the sequence exactly. One point was given for each correctly recalled sequence, and the test was discontinued after 3 consecutive errors.

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  9. Hour 5.5 Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) Commissions

    The TOVA is a computerized, visual continuous performance test which provides measures of attention. The stimulus, presented for 100 milliseconds (ms) at the rate of 30 per minute, is a computer-presented square containing a square hole near the top (target) or bottom (non-target) edge. The first half of the TOVA requires that the child sustain attention while the second half requires inhibition of response to a non-target. Responses to non-targets. Higher score is preferable (observed range: -82.4, 128.9).

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  10. Hour 5.5 Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - 3rd ed. (WISC-III-PI) Digit Span Backwards

    Each child individually was given a sequence of numbers with the sequence becoming progressively longer. The child was then asked to repeat the digits in the same sequence, either forwards or backwards. Each sequence length was attempted twice. The test was complete after failure on both trials of any sequence length. One point was awarded if the participant passed only 1 trial of a sequence length. Zero points were given if the participant failed both trials. The maximum raw scores were 16 forwards and 14 backwards. A higher score was indicative of better recall and attention (range: 0, 14).

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  11. Hour 8.75 Gray Silent Reading Test (GSRT)

    Gray Silent Reading Test (GSRT) is a reliable, validated measure of reading comprehension administered in the group setting during the first half hour of the homework session (observed range: 0, 141). A higher score is preferable as it means more questions were answered correctly.

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  12. Hour 7.5 Test of Handwriting Skills (Revised) (THS-R)

    The THS-R is a standardized, untimed assessment designed to evaluate neurosensory integration manifested in manuscript and cursive writing. The test includes the 10 subtests: writing from memory the upper- and lower-case letters of the alphabet in order, writing from dictation the upper and lower-case letters of the alphabet out of order, single digit-numbers out of order, selected words, and copying selected letters, words, and sentences. Each subtest was scored from zero (poorly formed letters) to 3 (perfectly formed letters). A higher score was preferable (observed range: 0, 118).

    Measured: Hour 7.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  13. Hour 3.5 Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)

    The DIBELS (observed range: 0, 212), used to assess reading fluency, consists of standardized, individually administered measures of early literacy development. These short (1 minute) fluency measures were developed based upon essential early literacy domains to assess development of phonological awareness, alphabetic understanding, and automaticity and fluency. Only the paragraph fluency component of an age/grade-appropriate DIBELS was used. Children read 3 stories and completed the forms. A higher score was preferable and indicated a greater number of words read correctly in the time allowed

    Measured: Hour 3.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  14. Hour 5.5 Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - 3rd ed. (WISC-III-PI) Digit Span Forwards

    Each child individually was given a sequence of numbers with the sequence becoming progressively longer. The child was then asked to repeat the digits in the same sequence, either forwards or backwards. Each sequence length was attempted twice. The test was complete after failure on both trials of any sequence length. One point was awarded if the participant passed only 1 trial of a sequence length. Zero points were given if the participant failed both trials. The maximum raw scores were 16 forwards and 14 backwards. A higher score was indicative of better recall and attention (range: 0, 16).

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  15. Hour 5.5 Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) Omissions

    The TOVA is a computerized, visual continuous performance test which provides measures of attention. The stimulus, presented for 100 milliseconds (ms) at the rate of 30 per minute, is a computer-presented square containing a square hole near the top (target) or bottom (non-target) edge. The first half of the TOVA requires that the child sustain attention while the second half requires inhibition of response to a non-target. Number of targets missed. Higher score is preferable (observed range: -419.4, 108.9).

    Measured: Hour 5.5 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  16. Hour 3.0 Grammar Task

    This task, presented once during a laboratory school day, was designed to index "attention to detail" by determining how many grammatical mistakes each child could identify and circle in a brief paragraph. The errors were not difficult to identify and were designed to show attention to task, not comprehension. A higher number of errors identified, of those possible, was indicative of better attention - identification of grammatical errors (range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 3.0 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  17. Hour 8.75 Packet Activity - Short Story With Questions for Comprehension

    Packet Activities: Assessment of ability to organize, listen to instructions, initiate task, complete task, and distractibility, by completing a word search, reading a short story for comprehension on a multiple choice test, reading a longer story for comprehension on a true/false test, decoding a mystery sentence, and completing various vocabulary assessments (word choice, homophones; base/root words, alphabetic order)(range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  18. Hour 8.75 Packet Activity - Identiy Root Word

    Packet Activities: Assessment of ability to organize, listen to instructions, initiate task, complete task, and distractibility, by completing a word search, reading a short story for comprehension on a multiple choice test, reading a longer story for comprehension on a true/false test, decoding a mystery sentence, and completing various vocabulary assessments (word choice, homophones; base/root words, alphabetic order) (range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  19. Hour 8.75 Packet Activity - Alphabetize List of Words

    Packet Activities: Assessment of ability to organize, listen to instructions, initiate task, complete task, and distractibility, by completing a word search, reading a short story for comprehension on a multiple choice test, reading a longer story for comprehension on a true/false test, decoding a mystery sentence, and completing various vocabulary assessments (word choice, homophones; base/root words, alphabetic order) (range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  20. Hour 8.75 Packet Activity - Identify Multiple Meanings for Words

    Packet Activities: Assessment of ability to organize, listen to instructions, initiate task, complete task, and distractibility, by completing a word search, reading a short story for comprehension on a multiple choice test, reading a longer story for comprehension on a true/false test, decoding a mystery sentence, and completing various vocabulary assessments (word choice, homophones; base/root words, alphabetic order) (range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  21. Hour 8.75 Packet Activity - Complete Sentences Using Words Provided

    Packet Activities: Assessment of ability to organize, listen to instructions, initiate task, complete task, and distractibility, by completing a word search, reading a short story for comprehension on a multiple choice test, reading a longer story for comprehension on a true/false test, decoding a mystery sentence, and completing various vocabulary assessments (word choice, homophones; base/root words, alphabetic order) (range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  22. Hour 8.75 Packet Activity - Word Search

    Packet Activities: Assessment of ability to organize, listen to instructions, initiate task, complete task, and distractibility, by completing a word search, reading a short story for comprehension on a multiple choice test, reading a longer story for comprehension on a true/false test, decoding a mystery sentence, and completing various vocabulary assessments (word choice, homophones; base/root words, alphabetic order) (range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

  23. Hour 8.75 Packet Activity - Decode the Mystery Sentence

    Packet Activities: Assessment of ability to organize, listen to instructions, initiate task, complete task, and distractibility, by completing a word search, reading a short story for comprehension on a multiple choice test, reading a longer story for comprehension on a true/false test, decoding a mystery sentence, and completing various vocabulary assessments (word choice, homophones; base/root words, alphabetic order) (range: 0, 1 represents correct responses divided by the number of possible responses).

    Measured: Hour 8.75 of the Lab School Day During the Double-Blind Assessment Period

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted1 Dec 2008 (estimated)
  2. Study start2 Jan 2009
  3. Primary completion26 Jun 2009
  4. Study completion26 Jun 2009

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
89 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT00799487
Sponsor's protocol ID
CR015118
Other IDs
NCT00799487, 2015-001042-28, 2015
Status last verified
Feb 2020
First submitted
26 Nov 2008
Last updated
12 Mar 2020
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
Yes

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 4 study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, run by Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC at 3 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Mar 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 1 Oct 2010). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Hour 4 Permanent Product Math Test Attempted Score (PERMP-Attempted) (time frame: Hour 4 of the Double-Blind Assessment Period Lab School Day). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Mar 2020; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 27 Oct 2026.

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