Long-term changes in management following n-of-1 trials of stimulants in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the long-term impact of n-of-1 trials-within-patient randomised, double-blind, cross-over comparisons of stimulant versus placebo or stimulant-on ADHD management.

Methods: Telephone surveys at 3, 6 and 12 months. Main outcome measures included (1) changes in treatment before and after the n-of-1 trial, (2) congruence of management at follow-up with trial result, (3) reasons for any non-congruence, and (4) persistence of the joint patient-doctor decision over 12 months.

An n-of-1 trial service in clinical practice: testing the effectiveness of stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Objective: We sought to describe the clinical use of n-of-1 trials for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in publicly and privately funded family and specialized pediatric practice in Australia.

Methods: We used a within-patient randomized, double-blind, crossover comparison of stimulant (dexamphetamine or methylphenidate) versus placebo or alternative stimulant using 3 pairs of treatment periods. Trials were conducted from a central location using mail and telephone communication, with local supervision by the patients' clinicians.