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Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Pharmacological Treatment of the Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders

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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.

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Acknowledgments

MHB was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health support of the Yale Child Study Center Research Training Program, National Institutes of Health 1K23MH091240-01, the AACAP/Eli Lilly Junior Investigator Award, the Trichotillomania Learning Center, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, and UL1 RR024139 from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health, and NIH roadmap for Medical Research. FRV was supported by NIMH P50 MH081756 and NICHD P01 HD003008.

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  1. Yale School of Medicine Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA

    Brian Reichow, Fred R. Volkmar & Michael H. Bloch

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  1. Brian Reichow
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  2. Fred R. Volkmar
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Correspondence to Brian Reichow.

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Reichow, B., Volkmar, F.R. & Bloch, M.H. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Pharmacological Treatment of the Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 2435–2441 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1793-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1793-z

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