Abstract
CONTEXT
Hyperactivity and inattention are common symptoms in children with autistic disorder and related pervasive developmental disorders, but studies of stimulants in these conditions have been inconclusive.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate hydrochloride in children with pervasive developmental disorders and hyperactivity.
DESIGN
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial followed by open-label continuation.
SETTING
Five academic outpatient clinics.
PARTICIPANTS
Seventy-two drug-free children, aged 5 to 14 years, with pervasive developmental disorders accompanied by moderate to severe hyperactivity.
INTERVENTIONS
Prior to randomization, subjects entered a 1-week test-dose phase in which each subject received placebo for 1 day followed by increasing doses of methylphenidate (low, medium, and high doses) that were each given for 2 days. The low, medium, and high doses of methylphenidate hydrochloride were based on weight, and they ranged from 7.5 mg/d to 50.0 mg/d in divided doses. Subjects who tolerated the test dose (n = 66) were assigned to receive placebo for 1 week and then 3 methylphenidate doses in random order during a double-blind, crossover phase. Children responding to methylphenidate then entered 8 weeks of open-label treatment at the individually determined best dose.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome measure was the teacher-rated hyperactivity subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Response was defined as "much improved" or "very much improved" on the Clinical Global Impressions Improvement item coupled with considerable reductions in the parent-rated and/or teacher-rated Aberrant Behavior Checklist hyperactivity subscale score.
RESULTS
Methylphenidate was superior to placebo on the primary outcome measure, with effect sizes ranging from 0.20 to 0.54 depending on dose and rater. Thirty-five (49%) of 72 enrolled subjects were classified as methylphenidate responders. Adverse effects led to the discontinuation of study medication in 13 (18%) of 72 subjects.
CONCLUSIONS
Methylphenidate was often efficacious in treating hyperactivity associated with pervasive developmental disorders, but the magnitude of response was less than that seen in typically developing children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Adverse effects were more frequent.
Pub Type(s)
Comparative Study
Journal Article
Multicenter Study
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
TY - JOUR
T1 - Randomized, controlled, crossover trial of methylphenidate in pervasive developmental disorders with hyperactivity.
A1 - ,,
PY - 2005/11/9/pubmed
PY - 2005/12/13/medline
PY - 2005/11/9/entrez
SP - 1266
EP - 74
JF - Archives of general psychiatry
JO - Arch Gen Psychiatry
VL - 62
IS - 11
N2 - CONTEXT: Hyperactivity and inattention are common symptoms in children with autistic disorder and related pervasive developmental disorders, but studies of stimulants in these conditions have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate hydrochloride in children with pervasive developmental disorders and hyperactivity. DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial followed by open-label continuation. SETTING: Five academic outpatient clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-two drug-free children, aged 5 to 14 years, with pervasive developmental disorders accompanied by moderate to severe hyperactivity. INTERVENTIONS: Prior to randomization, subjects entered a 1-week test-dose phase in which each subject received placebo for 1 day followed by increasing doses of methylphenidate (low, medium, and high doses) that were each given for 2 days. The low, medium, and high doses of methylphenidate hydrochloride were based on weight, and they ranged from 7.5 mg/d to 50.0 mg/d in divided doses. Subjects who tolerated the test dose (n = 66) were assigned to receive placebo for 1 week and then 3 methylphenidate doses in random order during a double-blind, crossover phase. Children responding to methylphenidate then entered 8 weeks of open-label treatment at the individually determined best dose. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the teacher-rated hyperactivity subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Response was defined as "much improved" or "very much improved" on the Clinical Global Impressions Improvement item coupled with considerable reductions in the parent-rated and/or teacher-rated Aberrant Behavior Checklist hyperactivity subscale score. RESULTS: Methylphenidate was superior to placebo on the primary outcome measure, with effect sizes ranging from 0.20 to 0.54 depending on dose and rater. Thirty-five (49%) of 72 enrolled subjects were classified as methylphenidate responders. Adverse effects led to the discontinuation of study medication in 13 (18%) of 72 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Methylphenidate was often efficacious in treating hyperactivity associated with pervasive developmental disorders, but the magnitude of response was less than that seen in typically developing children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Adverse effects were more frequent.
SN - 0003-990X
UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/16275814/Randomized_controlled_crossover_trial_of_methylphenidate_in_pervasive_developmental_disorders_with_hyperactivity_
L2 - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/10.1001/archpsyc.62.11.1266
DB - PRIME
DP - Unbound Medicine
ER -