Objective: This pilot study examined the effects of atomoxetine on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and autistic features in children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).
Method: Twelve children (aged 6–14 years) with PDD accompanied by ADHD symptoms entered a 10-week open-label study with atomoxetine (1.19 ± 0.41 mg/kg/day). Response was assessed by using parent and clinician rating scales with change in the ADHD-Rating Scale(ADHDRS) as primary outcome measure.
Results: Atomoxetine reduced ADHD-symptoms as measured by the ADHDRS (44% decrease vs. baseline, p < 0.003), the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale—R:S (CPRS-R) (25% in the subscale "Cognitive Problems," p < 0.028; 32% in "Hyperactivity," p < 0.030; and 23% in"ADHD index," p < 0.023). We found a reduction of 21% (p = 0.071) for changes in the subscale"Hyperactivity" of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). No change was found in any of the other ABC subscales, nor in the subscale "Oppositional" of the CPRS-R. Five patients(42%) discontinued because of side effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms, irritability, sleep problems, and fatigue were the most frequent side effects.
Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate that atomoxetine may be a promising new agent in the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children with PDD. However, children with PDD may have a higher vulnerability for some of the known side-effects of atomoxetine.
