Abstract
About 50% of children referred for clinical evaluation of Tourette's syndrome (TS) also meet criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Standard treatment of ADHD with CNS stimulants results in an exacerbation of the tic symptoms in 20 to 50% of these patients. Symptoms of ADHD were treated with desipramine (DMI) in seven boys with chronic tic disorders, aged 7 to 11 years. Five patients (71%) had a moderate or marked reduction in their ADHD symptoms on a clinician's global improvement rating and on parent and teacher rating scales. There was no change in the severity of tic symptoms during DMI treatment in six patients. An intermittent eyeblink became persistent during DMI treatment in one patient. Mild tachycardia was the most common side effect. DMI appears to be safe and effective for children with ADHD and tics or a family history of TS.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 811-814 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1988 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- ADHD
- chronictic disorder
- desipramine treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health