Reboxetine as an optional treatment for hyperkinetic conduct disorder: a prospective open-label trial

Abstract

Background and purpose: Hyperkinetic conduct disorder (HCD) has been identified as a common psychiatric diagnosis among children and adolescents. This disorder affects many life aspects of both child and family. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), reboxetine, in treating children with HCD and its influence on associated symptoms, such as aggressiveness, impulsivity, anxiety, and depression.

Methods: Fifteen children, 5-14 years of age, diagnosed with HCD, participated in a 12- week, prospective, open-label trial with reboxetine (4-8 mg/d). They were examined for changes in: ADHD symptoms, as measured by the Conners Abbreviated (10-item) Teacher Rating Scale, aggression, as measured by the Yudofsky Overt Aggression Scale (OAS), impulsivity, as measured by the Plutchik impulsivity scale (IS), anxiety, as measured by the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS), and depressive mood, as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D).

Results: There was a significant symptomatic improvement for HCD symptoms and associated symptoms.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that reboxetine may be effective in the treatment of HCD and associated symptoms.