Open-label atomoxetine for attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder symptoms associated with high-functioning pervasive developmental disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to conduct an initial evaluation of the efficacy of atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).


METHODS
Children with PDDs and a nonverbal IQ of >or=70 received atomoxetine (target dose 1.2-1.4 mg/kg/day) during the course of an 8-week, open-label, prospective study. Standardized assessments of efficacy and tolerability were collected at regular intervals during the trial.


RESULTS
Sixteen children and adolescents (mean age 7.7 +/- 2.2 years, age range 6-14 years) with autistic disorder (n = 7), Asperger's disorder (n = 7), or PDD not otherwise specified (n = 2) received atomoxetine (mean dose 1.2 +/- 0.3 mg/kg/day). Twelve participants (75%) were rated as "much" or "very much improved" on the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale. The most significant improvement was seen in the area of ADHD symptoms as measured by the SNAP-IV and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (effect size = 1.0-1.9). Improvements of lesser magnitude (effect size = 0.4-1.1) were seen in irritability, social withdrawal, stereotypy, and repetitive speech. There were no significant changes on the Conners' Continuous Performance Test. Atomoxetine was well tolerated with the exception of 2 participants (13 %) who stopped medication due to irritability. Weight decreased by a mean of 0.8 kg during the 8-week trial.


CONCLUSIONS
Placebo-controlled studies are indicated to determine atomoxetine's efficacy for ADHD symptoms in PDDs.
Posey
David J
DJ
Department of Psychiatry and Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. dposey@iupui.edu
Wiegand
Ryan E
RE
Wilkerson
Jennifer
J
Maynard
Melissa
M
Stigler
Kimberly A
KA
McDougle
Christopher J
CJ
D000293:Adolescent; D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence / Q000187:drug effects; D007508:Irritable Mood / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011437:Propylamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride