Atomoxetine and Methylphenidate Treatment in ADHD

Objective: ADHD (Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is the most common diagnosed neurobehavioral disorder in childhood and adolescence. Core symptoms of ADHD are persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In Slovakia, there are two specific medication choices to treat ADHD - atomoxetine and methylphenidate. Even though methylphenidate is option number one according to guidelines, the highest amount of patients are taking atomoxetine.

Aim: Our aim was to observe atomoxetine and methylphenidate effect in 40 child and adolescent patients with ADHD to compare their efficacy in child and adolescent patients using ADHD-RS-IV scale and CGI scale.

Methods: We included 40- hospitalised patients, 20 patients were taking atomoxetine and 20 patients methylphenidate. Therapeutic effect on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and global score was measured by ADHD-rating scale IV. Global clinical condition of patients was evaluated by CGI (Clinical Global Impression Scale). Symptomatology was measured before treatment, and every 2 weeks during 8 weeks of treatment. CGI was administrated before and after treatment.

Results: We found significant therapeutic effect of atomoxetine and methylphenidate on core symptoms of ADHD after 8 weeks of treatment both with atomoxetine and methylphenidate. We found non-significant difference CGI scale scores.

Conclusion: Our study evaluated atomoxetine and methylphenidate treatment effect on ADHD. Atomoxetine and methylphenidate showed significant effect on core symptoms of ADHD, there were no significant between group differences in ADHD-RS-IV. Our study revealed non-significant difference CGI scale scores between medication groups.