A randomized, double-blind study of continuation treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder after 1 year.

• BACKGROUND: The efficacy of atomoxetine in maintaining symptom response following 1 year of treatment was assessed in children and adolescents (n = 163) with DSM-IV defined attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Subjects had previously responded to atomoxetine acutely and had completed 1 year of double-blind atomoxetine treatment. They were then randomly assigned in double-blind fashion to continued atomoxetine or placebo substitution for 6 months. RESULTS: Atomoxetine was superior to placebo in preventing relapse (Wilcoxon test, p = .008) and in maintaining symptom response (ADHD Rating Scale IV score, p < .001). Among subjects assigned to discontinuation, the magnitude of symptom return was generally to a level of severity less than that observed at study entry. CONCLUSIONS: Following 1 year of treatment with atomoxetine, continued treatment over the ensuing 6 months was associated with superior outcomes compared with placebo substitution. However, there was considerable variability between individuals in the magnitude of symptom return after drug discontinuation, suggesting that some subjects treated with atomoxetine for a year with good results may consolidate gains made during drug treatment and could benefit from a medication-free trial to assess the need for ongoing drug treatment.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adolescent

Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors

Therapeutic use

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Drug therapy

Child

Double-Blind Method

Female

Follow-Up Studies

Humans

Male

Propylamines

Therapeutic use

Recurrence

Prevention & control

Treatment Outcome

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)