An open trial of pemoline in drug-dependent delinquents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Adolescents with conduct disorder and substance use disorders have high rates of comorbid attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); ADHD may contribute to the severity and persistence of substance use disorders and antisocial behaviors. Treatment of ADHD may help patients utilize substance and other behaviorally focused treatment. Yet little is known about the response of ADHD symptoms to psychopharmacological intervention in substance-dependent delinquents.


METHODS
Pilot data are presented for 13 male adolescents with conduct disorder, substance use disorders, and ADHD, in a residential substance use treatment program. Patients were treated with pemoline. Scores from the Conners Hyperactivity Index and continuous performance tasks were obtained at baseline and after about 1 month of treatment with pemoline. Physical activity measurements were also assessed at baseline and 1 month. Postmedication assessments were obtained after at least 1 week at maximal dosage (1.2 to 3.3 mg/kg).


RESULTS
Mean Conners Hyperactivity Index scores declined 13.9% (p < or = .002) and mean motility declined 7% (p < or = .04) with pemoline treatment. Continuous performance task scores did not change.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary data indicate that pemoline may be a useful treatment for ADHD in substance-dependent delinquents; the authors propose a controlled trial of pemoline in such youths.
Riggs
P D
PD
Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262, USA.
Thompson
L L
LL
Mikulich
S K
SK
Whitmore
E A
EA
Crowley
T J
TJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010389:Pemoline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010389:Pemoline