Placebo Control Trials

Up to 30% of children with AD/HD will respond to a placebo (35). After a child is on an effective stimulant regiment, the pediatrician may consider a brief placebo control trial to confirm that this is a drug and not placebo effect. A placebo control trial will also clarify side effects and reinforce the benefit of the medication (39). 

The pharmacist is asked to make up two bottles. One bottle is filled with gelatin capsules containing a placebo and the other with gelatin capsules containing medication. Capsules are given from each bottle on alternating weeks and Connor's questionnaires completed each week. After four weeks the trial is finished and the forms are returned to the pediatrician for review. UVA pediatricians are currently developing a computerized system to simplify this process in the primary care setting. For information contact James A. Blackman, M.D., M.P.H. Professor of Pediatrics.