Placebo-controlled study examining effects of selegiline in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
There is evidence suggesting a role for dopamine in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Pharmacological treatments that act on the dopamine system have been successful in reducing ADHD symptoms. However, unlike traditional stimulants (i.e., methylphenidate), selegiline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms without producing undesirable side effects. In this study using a randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, cognitive tasks and behavioral rating scales were administered to measure the effectiveness of selegiline in treating different symptoms of ADHD in 11 children aged 6-13. Results indicate that selegiline may target specific symptoms of ADHD including: sustained attention, the learning of novel information, hyperactivity, and peer interactions. Because the drug was not associated with negative side effects and did not specifically reduce symptoms of impulsivity, selegiline may be a preferred treatment for individuals who present with the primarily inattentive subtype of ADHD.
Rubinstein
Suzanne
S
Division of Neurology, Brain and Behaviour Programme, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Malone
Molly A
MA
Roberts
Wendy
W
Logan
William J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D012642:Selegiline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D012642:Selegiline