Clonidine therapy for comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder: preliminary findings in a children's inpatient unit.

Abstract

This retrospective study examined the clinical course of 18 prepubertal boys (aged 6 to 12) who had dual diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder and who received clonidine on an inpatient basis after failed trials of conventional drug therapy, consisting predominantly of psychostimulants. The effects of clonidine were assessed during inpatient treatment and after discharge at intervals of 1 to 2 months. Eleven (61%) of the children had marked improvement as measured by clinical impression. Transient sedation lasting 2 to 3 days occurred after initial administration or dosage increase; otherwise, clonidine was well tolerated. Our findings suggest that clonidine may prove to be an alternative treatment of comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder.

• Authors: T J Schvehla, M W Mandoki, G S Sumner
• Journal: Southern medical journal (South Med J) Vol. 87 Issue 7 Pg. 692-5 (Jul 1994) ISSN: 0038-4348 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8023201 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Methylphenidate
• Clonidine
• Dextroamphetamine

Topics

• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Blood Pressure
• Child
• Child Behavior Disorders (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Child, Hospitalized
• Clonidine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dextroamphetamine (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Male
• Methylphenidate (administration & dosage)
• Retrospective Studies