Atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children with pervasive developmental disorders: a pilot study.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
This pilot study examined the effects of atomoxetine on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and autistic features in children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).

METHOD:
Twelve children (aged 6-14 years) with PDD accompanied by ADHD symptoms entered a 10-week open-label study with atomoxetine (1.19 +/- 0.41 mg/kg/day). Response was assessed by using parent and clinician rating scales with change in the ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHDRS) as primary outcome measure.

RESULTS:
Atomoxetine reduced ADHD-symptoms as measured by the ADHDRS (44% decrease vs. baseline, p < 0.003), the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-R:S (CPRS-R) (25% in the subscale "Cognitive Problems," p < 0.028; 32% in "Hyperactivity," p < 0.030; and 23% in "ADHD index," p < 0.023). We found a reduction of 21% (p = 0.071) for changes in the subscale "Hyperactivity" of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). No change was found in any of the other ABC subscales, nor in the subscale "Oppositional" of the CPRS-R. Five patients (42%) discontinued because of side effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms, irritability, sleep problems, and fatigue were the most frequent side effects.

CONCLUSIONS:
These preliminary findings indicate that atomoxetine may be a promising new agent in the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children with PDD. However, children with PDD may have a higher vulnerability for some of the known side-effects of atomoxetine.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Troost, Pieter W (PW); Steenhuis, Mark-Peter (MP); Tuynman-Qua, Hanneke G (HG); Kalverdijk, Luuk J (LJ); Buitelaar, Jan K (JK); Minderaa, Ruud B (RB); Hoekstra, Pieter J (PJ);

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. p.troost(-atsign-)accare.nl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology (J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Oct; vol 16 (issue 5) : pp 611-9

Dates: Created 2006/10/30; Completed 2007/02/22;

PMID: 17069549, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors - adverse effects; therapeutic use
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; drug therapy
Child
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive - diagnosis; drug therapy
Comorbidity
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Drug Administration Schedule

Female
Humans
Impulsive Behavior - diagnosis; drug therapy
Male
Personality Assessment
Pilot Projects
Propylamines - adverse effects; therapeutic use
Treatment Outcome

Associated Chemicals: Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors (0) ; Propylamines (0) ; atomoxetine (83015-26-3)

These are the highest related articles currently in the database:

See 100+ related articles.