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Shire joins Lehigh, URI in ADHD study

Lehigh University is joining the University of Rhode Island to study attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in college students.

Lehigh University is joining the University of Rhode Island to study attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in college students.

Funding is being provided by Wayne-based Shire Development Inc., a subsidiary of Shire P.L.C., whose U.S. headquarters also are in Wayne.

Almost 4 percent of college-age students say they have ADHD symptoms, such as trouble with attention, impulse control and restlessness, Lehigh said.

"We know a lot about childhood and adult ADHD but the college-age student population is under studied," said Lisa Weyandt, associate professor of psychology at URI. "College students with ADHD are at greater risk for academic and psychological difficulties. They are also in a unique developmental context at this stage of their lives, when they are expected to live and act independently."

The study will test the effectiveness of Shire's Vyvanse, which already is marketed for ADHD in children and adults.

Lehigh said that study would be conducted for the next year, with results announced next fall. The Lehigh contingent is being led by George DuPaul, professor of school psychology and chair of the department of education and human services.    - Roslyn Rudolph