HW 14A: Examples of Excellent Student Work

From Megan Lawson
Study for  Gingko Biloba and ADHD

Open study. PATIENTS: 36 children ranging in age from 3 to 17 years who fit the

diagnostic criteria for ADHD. INTERVENTIONS: AD-FX capsules (Each capsule of

AD-FX contains 200mg American ginseng extract and 50mg of gingko biloba extract.

) were taken twice a day on an empty stomach for 4 weeks. Patients were instructed

not to change any other medications during the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: At the

beginning of the study, after 2 weeks, and then at the end of the 4-week trial, parents

completed the Conners' Parent Rating Scale--revised, long version, a questionnaire that

assesses a broad range of problem behaviours (and was used as an indication of ADHD

symptom severity). RESULTS: After 2 weeks of treatment, the proportion of the subjects

exhibiting improvement (i.e., decrease in T-score of at least 5 points) ranged from 31%

for the anxious-shy attribute to 67% for the psychosomatic attribute. After 4 weeks

of treatment, the proportion of subjects exhibiting improvement ranged from 44% for

the social problems attribute to 74% for the Conners' ADHD index and the DSM-IV

hyperactive-impulsive attribute. Five (14%) of 36 subjects reported adverse events, only

2 of which were considered related to the study medication

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1408291/

In the sample listed above, there were only 36 children in the study. That is not enough

children to make an accurate standing on if the AD-FX capsules work. The age range

from 3 to 17 could have different stages of ADHD in them, like some could be worse or

not fully developed in them because they are only 3 years old. We also do not know the

regions to where these children came from. If they were chosen throughout the country

or just a specific region of the country can affect the results. There is also a selection bias

because the parent volunteer their children to do this study think their child has ADHD

when in reality they could just be going through childhood/adolescence and that is how

they are supposed to be acting. In support of this capsule a 74% success rate was noted,

however, that is only for the social problems not the overall conclusion to the AD-FX.

This same study was shown for the counter argument that this capsule does not work and

stated that only 31% of children saw a change in their behaviors.

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH

After reading more thoroughly through the article that published the study, 14 out

of the 36 children were also taking different drugs for their ADHD like Ritalin. The

definition of “success” is vague. To this trial success is lowering the signs of ADHD

but the average scores only reduced by 5%-10%. Although this is a factor in the drugs

success, it should not qualify the drug as successful. Especially when almost 40% of the

children were taking other drugs while using the AD-FX capsules. The Ginkgo is quoted

in the study as “cognitive-enhancing or notropic effects.” This is ideally for memory

enhancement and “other cognitive functions in healthy adults.” It would not seem like

this remedy would be effective in children. When quoted in the article it is used for

adults with memory problems. Overall, I would say that the argument that this capsule is

beneficial for children with ADHD is very weak.



From Kellin Taylor
Creatine

Homework 14A