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Publication

N-of-1 trials in child and adolescent psychiatry: A closer look at stimulants

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

© 2018 Uitgeverij Boom. All rights reserved. Background : An N-of-1 trial is a clinical trial studying the response of an individual to a particular intervention or different interventions in an objective, systematic way. Aim: To evaluate both the applications and the methodology of N-of-1 trials in child and adolescent psychiatry. Method: A systematic review using PubMed and Embase assessing N-of-1 trials published during the period 1986 -July 2016 with the following key-word:'N-of-1'. results 20 articles were induded. AII articles used N-of-1 trials to evaluate the effect of stimulant medications in children and adolescents with adhd. Most articles recommended the use of the N-of-1 methodology in clinical practice, despite the large variation in methodology and in outcome interpretation of N-of-1 trials.The 20 articles didn't meet the current quality standards for N-of-1 trials. Conclusion: Despite the advantages of N-of-1 trials, the applications in child and adolescent psychiatry turn out to be rather limited and specific. N-of-1 trials have more to offer regarding both clinical practice and research in child and adolescent psychiatry. If the methodological recommendations are sufficiently met, N-of-1 trials could provide a useful and applicable tool for the child-And adolescent psychiatrist to offer individual patient care.
Journal: Tijdschrift voor Psychiatrie
ISSN: 0303-7339
Issue: 5
Volume: 60
Pages: 315 - 325
Publication year:2018
Accessibility:Open