![](http://investorshub.advfn.com/images/default_ih_profile2_4848.jpg?cb=0)
Wednesday, November 09, 2005 10:30:56 PM
Ritalin May Ease Hyperactivity In Autism-related Disorders
By Jeff Minerd, MedPage Today Staff Writer
Reviewed by Zalman S. Agus, MD; Emeritus Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
November 08, 2005
Also covered by: ABC News, MSNBC
INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 8 - Ritalin (methylphenidate), long an approach to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, may be effective for treating hyperactivity in autism and related pervasive developmental disorders, according to investigators here.
Nearly 50% of children with pervasive developmental disorders and hyperactivity responded to the drug, but the magnitude of the response was less than that seen with children with ADHD, reported investigator David J. Posey, M.D., of the Indiana University School of Medicine here, and colleagues in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
Seventy-two children, ages five to 14 years, participated in the randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. The trial included a one-week phase to test whether the participants could tolerate three different dose levels of the medication. This was followed by a four-week crossover phase during which the children were given one of three doses of Ritalin or placebo in random order to assess effectiveness.
Children showing a positive response were treated for an additional eight weeks to ensure that gains were stable. Response to treatment was assessed by parents and teachers using standardized ratings of behavior.
Thirty-five children (49%) responded to the drug, which is less than response rates of 70% to 80% reported for children with ADHD. Responders were defined as those who showed at least a 25% decrease in hyperactivity symptoms. Some children showed as much as a 54% decrease in symptoms. The effect sizes ranged from 0.20 to 0.54, suggesting a small to medium magnitude of response.
The drug did not improve symptoms of irritability, lethargy, social withdrawal, stereotypy, or inappropriate speech. Increased social withdrawal was associated with higher doses of the medication, which is consistent with adverse events reported in other studies.
Overall, 18% of the children withdrew from the study because of adverse events, most commonly irritability. Other adverse events at the highest dose included appetite decrease (24%), difficulty falling asleep (16%), and stomach or abdominal discomfort (12%).
"At present, methylphenidate is a reasonable choice to target hyperactivity in the context of pervasive developmental disorders, given modest group effects and a response rate that approaches 50%," the study authors concluded.
"However, caregivers should be cautioned about the strong possibility of adverse effects. In addition, practitioners should be prepared to suspend treatment if considerable adverse effects are reported," they added.
The authors also raised the possibility that "the use of psychostimulants added to another psychotropic medication may be associated with a greater rate of response than when used alone. For example, persons with autism already receiving an antipsychotic medication might be protected to some extent from adverse effects associated with psychostimulants (e.g., irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite)."
Ritalin is also sold under the brand names Concerta, Metadate, and Methylin. The study was not supported by any of the drug-makers.
Primary source: Archives of General Psychiatry
Source reference:
Posey DJ et al. Randomized, controlled, crossover trial of methylphenidate in pervasive developmental disorders with hyperactivity. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2005; 62:1266-1274.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/Autism/tb/2092
Recent RSPI News
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 05/29/2024 01:03:20 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 02/02/2024 01:30:27 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 01/22/2024 01:45:38 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 12/11/2023 01:45:18 PM
- Form 10-Q - Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 11/17/2023 09:06:03 PM
- Form NT 10-Q - Notification of inability to timely file Form 10-Q or 10-QSB • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 11/14/2023 09:05:14 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 10/12/2023 01:00:21 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 10/02/2023 12:45:26 PM
- Form 10-Q - Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)] • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 08/21/2023 08:05:55 PM
- Form NT 10-Q - Notification of inability to timely file Form 10-Q or 10-QSB • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 08/14/2023 08:15:24 PM
- Form 8-K - Current report • Edgar (US Regulatory) • 08/09/2023 12:52:24 PM
HealthLynked Promotes Bill Crupi to Chief Operating Officer • HLYK • Jun 26, 2024 8:00 AM
Bantec's Howco Short Term Department of Defense Contract Wins Will Exceed $1,100,000 for the current Quarter • BANT • Jun 25, 2024 10:00 AM
ECGI Holdings Targets $9.7 Billion Equestrian Apparel Market with Allon Brand Launch • ECGI • Jun 25, 2024 8:36 AM
Avant Technologies Addresses Progress on AI Supercomputer-Driven Data Centers • AVAI • Jun 25, 2024 8:00 AM
Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. Expands International Presence with New Partnership in Dubai • GRLF • Jun 24, 2024 8:30 AM
Bemax Inc. Positions to Capitalize on Industry Growth with New Improved Quality of Mother's Touch® Disposable Diapers • BMXC • Jun 24, 2024 8:00 AM