Growth deficits in children treated with desipramine: a controlled study.
Using multiple assessment methods, growth deficits in weight and height were examined in a clinical sample of children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated chronically (mean 14 months) with desipramine (DMI) and two comparison samples of children treated chronically with methylphenidate (MPH) and a not-treated group. Although there were statistically significant weight deficits in children treated with both DMI and MPH compared with normal controls, only those treated with MPH sustained height deficits that attained statistical significance. It appears that DMI may be an appropriate alternative for patients with stimulant-associated severe suppression of growth in height.
Spencer
T
T
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Biederman
J
J
Wright
V
V
Danon
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D003891:Desipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015596:Nutrition Assessment
D008774:Methylphenidate; D003891:Desipramine