Efficacy and safety of a GABAergic drug (Gamalate® B6): effects on behavior and cognition in young adults with borderline-to-mild intellectual developmental disabilities and ADHD

Abstract

Background: We evaluated Gamalate® B6 (GB6) in patients with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) or mild intellectual development disability (IDD). Patients and methods: This was a prospective phase IV observational pilot study in 30 patients who underwent neuropsychological evaluation during treatment with GB6 for 12 weeks. Results: In comparison with baseline, the responses were positive, with a significant improvement in hyperactivity (51.7%), irritability (35.5%), and logorrhea (50%), and no sedative effect. The Clinical Global Impressions – Severity (CGI-S) score was much improved or very much improved in 73% of cases. Reaction time was better with fewer errors, thus indicating an improvement in attentional processes. A statistically significant result was obtained for the number of movements used to solve the problem and for the total number of correctly solved problems. Conclusion: In this pilot study, GB6 was effective and well tolerated in cases of ADHD and challenging behavior in young adults with borderline-to-mild BIF/IDD. However, given the small number of patients involved and the uncontrolled nature of the study, these results should be viewed cautiously.

Keywords

• attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• challenging behavior
• young adults
• gabaergic system
• gamalate b6