title: Systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological treatment of the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with pervasive developmental disorders.
abstract: Many children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) exhibit behaviors and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We sought to determine the relative efficacy of medications for treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD by identifying all double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials examining the efficacy of medications for treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD. We located seven trials involving 225 children. A random effects meta-analysis of four methylphenidate trials showed methylphenidate to be effective for treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD (ES = .67). Several adverse events were greater for children were taking methylphenidate compared to placebo. An individual trial of clonidine and two trials of atomoxetine suggest these agents may also be effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD.
authors.affiliation: Yale School of Medicine Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA, brian.reichow@yale.edu.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Reichow
authors.forename: Fred R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Volkmar
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Bloch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001288:Attention; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride