Emotional expression during attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders treatment: initial assessment of treatment effects.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this research was to provide an initial examination of the effects of atomoxetine and stimulants on emotional expression using a newly developed scale for assessing emotional expression in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
The parent-rated Expression and Emotion Scale for Children (EESC) was collected during two studies. During a cross-sectional validation study, the EESC was completed to assess the child's current treatment and retrospectively for previous medication. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of atomoxetine, the EESC was collected at baseline and endpoint.


RESULTS
In the validation study, no statistically significant differences in EESC scores were found between groups taking atomoxetine (n = 74) and stimulants (n = 105). Patients who switched from a stimulant to atomoxetine (n = 40) had greater improvement in emotional expression than those switched to another stimulant (n = 21) (p = 0.008). In the clinical trial, no difference in rates of worsening of emotional expression were observed (atomoxetine 8.8%, placebo 12.3%; p = 0.440).


CONCLUSIONS
No treatment differences in emotional expression were observed based on current medications. However, stimulant patients needing to switch medications may have greater improvements in emotional expression by switching to atomoxetine.
Kratochvil
C J
CJ
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. ckratoch@unmc.edu
Faries
D
D
Vaughan
B
B
Perwien
A
A
Busner
J
J
Saylor
K
K
Kaplan
S
S
Buermeyer
C
C
Swindle
R
R
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011437:Propylamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride