Abstract:
Based on the data set of consecutive 103 patients with the diagnosis Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) of a child and adolescent psychiatry practice a retrospective analysis of the medical treatment was performed. It was focused on the beneficial and untoward effects of drug treatment with methylphenidate, amphetamine and atomoxetine in different pharmaceutical formulations.
The first consultation of the physician took place at the mean age of 8.6 years, followed by the first medical prescription in average one year later. 90% of the children were characterized by comorbidities. Hyperactive children had significantly more frequent comorbidities than children without hyperactivity. The most common comorbidity was disruptive behavior disorder.
Immediate- and extended-release methylphenidate as well as atomoxetine and amphetamine were given as single-treatment regimens. Combinations of immediate- with extended-release methylphenidate, atomoxetine with extended-release methylphenidate, atomoxetine with immediate-release methylphenidate, amphetamine with immediate-release methylphenidate and amphetamine with atomoxetine were prescribed in decreasing frequencies. Drug holidays were also observed. Both immediate-release methylphenidate and its combination with extended-release methylphenidate showed the longest intake period without changing treatment regimen.
In 90% of the children untoward effects were reported. The frequency was significantly higher during the first six months period when compared to later periods. On average, one adverse effect was documented for every five doctor visits. The most frequently adverse effects were insomnia, decreased appetite, tic disorders and abdominal pain. Children showed growth delay, in particular within the first month of treatment, yet also during treatment. Untoward effects were described significantly more often during the intake of extended-release methylphenidate than during other single-treatment regimens, combination treatment regimens or drug holidays. The latter did not differ in the incidence of described undesired effects.
A beneficial effect of drug treatment was noticed by the physicians for one third of consultations without any significant difference between the different treatment regimens. Untoward effects occured significantly more often under the combination treatment regimen with atomoxetine and immediate-release methylphenidate.
The study shows that immediate-release methylphenidate and the combination of immediate- with extended-release methylphenidate should be first choice for ADHD drug treatment. For extended-release methylphenidate as single treatment regimen and for atomoxetine and immediate-release methylphenidate as combination treatment regimens, the benefit/risk ratio should be thoroughly weighed for each individual patient.