Duloxetine in the treatment of adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an open-label study

Abstract

Objective: The main aim of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of duloxetine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in the treatment of adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods: Seventeen adolescents aged 11-18 years, diagnosed with ADHD, participated in this 6-week open-label study. Duloxetine was given in doses of 30 mg/day in the first week and 60 mg/day from week 2 to the end of the study. Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R) short form was used to assess the efficacy of the therapy.

Results: A significant reduction in ADHD symptoms measured by CPRS-R was observed. This reduction was evident from week 4 of the study. In addition, the decrease was significant in all four subscales of CPRS-R including inattention, oppositionality, hyperactivity and ADHD index. In terms of side effects, duloxetine was generally safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions: The results of this open-label study suggest a promise of duloxetine in the treatment of youth with ADHD. Further controlled studies with larger samples are required to evaluate the efficacy of duloxetine in children and adolescents with ADHD.