<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood or adolescence is associated with a significantly higher lifetime risk of oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, among others. Reports of co-morbidity rates are variable and influenced by assesment methodology and refferal bias, and may reflect lifetime rates within clinical groups. Up-to date studies revealed that as many as 85% of patients with ADHD have at least one psychiatric comorbidity and approximately 60% have at least two. Research and clinical practice has shown that having multiple co-existing psychiatric problems increase the severity of ADHD and behavioural problems, and is associated with incereased psychosocial impairment. The high rate of psychiatric problems co-occuring with ADHD has strong implications for the management of these patients. The presence of co-existing psychiatric conditions may moderate the response to treatment of ADHD and ADHD treatments may adversely affect and exacerbate the symptoms of the co-morbit condition. The aim of this article was to summarize the use of atomoxetine in the most frequent co-morbid disorders accompaining ADHD, ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) and anxiety, and to emphazise decrease of co-morbid symptoms with treatment of atomoxetine what exhort us to think about them as about possible subtypes of ADHD.</p></abstract>

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood or adolescence is associated with a significantly higher lifetime risk of oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, among others. Reports of co-morbidity rates are variable and influenced by assesment methodology and refferal bias, and may reflect lifetime rates within clinical groups. Up-to date studies revealed that as many as 85% of patients with ADHD have at least one psychiatric comorbidity and approximately 60% have at least two. Research and clinical practice has shown that having multiple co-existing psychiatric problems increase the severity of ADHD and behavioural problems, and is associated with incereased psychosocial impairment. The high rate of psychiatric problems co-occuring with ADHD has strong implications for the management of these patients. The presence of co-existing psychiatric conditions may moderate the response to treatment of ADHD and ADHD treatments may adversely affect and exacerbate the symptoms of the co-morbit condition. The aim of this article was to summarize the use of atomoxetine in the most frequent co-morbid disorders accompaining ADHD, ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) and anxiety, and to emphazise decrease of co-morbid symptoms with treatment of atomoxetine what exhort us to think about them as about possible subtypes of ADHD.

Atomoxetine in the Treatment of the Most Common Comorbid Disorders of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Anxiety Disorders

Department of Pharmacology Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin

Clinic of Psychiatry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, Kollarova 2, 036 59 Martin, Slovak Republic, Phone: +421434203398

Clinic of Psychiatry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, Martin, Slovakia

Clinic of Psychiatry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and University Hospital, Martin

Acta Medica Martiniana

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood or adolescence is associated with a significantly higher lifetime risk of oppositional defiant...

Atomoxetine in the Treatment of the Most Common Comorbid Disorders of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Anxiety Disorders

Published Online: Dec 28, 2012

Page range: 28 - 38

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10201-011-0039-z

This content is open access.