Dexamphetamine Treatment for Obesity and Executive Function
Author Information
Author(s): Poulton Antoinette, Gauci Natalie, Khalifa Hazer, Hibbert Emily J., Poulton Alison S.
Primary Institution: University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
Participants treated with DEX would exhibit enhanced executive function and improved response inhibition over time compared to controls.
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that dexamphetamine treatment for obesity improved executive function or response inhibition.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants treated with dexamphetamine did not report enhanced executive function compared to controls.
- Weight loss was significant in the treatment group across the trial.
- Mixed effects models showed no group by session interaction for executive function scores.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a medication for obesity helps people think better and control their impulses, but it didn't find any improvements.
Methodology
Participants were randomized to receive either dexamphetamine or placebo and were assessed on executive function and response inhibition at multiple time points.
Potential Biases
Potential pre-existing differences between treatment and control groups may have influenced results.
Limitations
The sample size was modest, and the study was impacted by COVID-19, leading to missing data.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 52 individuals with a mean age of 47.06 years, 63.5% male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.440 for BDEFS-SF, p = 0.039 for SSRT
Confidence Interval
95% CI [0.47, 3.49] for Time 2 BDEFS-SF, 95% CI [−4.89, −0.39] for Maintenance BDEFS-SF, 95% CI [−28.26, −1.14] for SSRT
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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