A Prospective Open Trial of Guanfacine in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders
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Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Publishers
Abstract
Objective:
A common complaint for children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is hyperactivity.
The purpose of this pilot study was to gather preliminary information on the efficacy of guanfacine in
children with PDD and hyperactivity.
Methods:
Children with PDD accompanied by hyperactivity entered the open-label trial if there was a recent
history of failed treatment with methylphenidate or the child did not improve on methylphenidate in a
multisite, placebo-controlled trial.
Results:
Children (23 boys and 2 girls) with a mean age of 9.03 (±3.14) years entered the open-label trial.
After 8 weeks of treatment, the parent-rated Hyperactivity subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist
(ABC) went from a mean of 31.3 (±8.89) at baseline to 18.9 (±10.37) (effect size = 1.4; p < 0.001). The
teacher-rated Hyperactivity subscale decreased from a mean of 29.9 (±9.12) at baseline to 22.3 (±9.44)
(effect size = 0.83; p < 0.01). Twelve children (48%) were rated as Much Improved or Very Much
Improved on the Clinical Global Impressions– Improvement. Doses ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/day in two
or three divided doses. Common adverse effects included irritability, sedation, sleep disturbance (insomnia
or midsleep awakening), and constipation. Irritability led to discontinuation in 3 subjects. There were no
significant changes in pulse, blood pressure, or electrocardiogram.
Conclusions:
Guanfacine may be useful for the treatment of hyperactivity in children with PDD. Placebocontrolled
studies are needed to guide clinical practice.
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Citation
Lawrence Scahill et al, "A Prospective Open Trial of Guanfacine in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders," Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology 16, no. 5 (2006), doi:10.1089/cap.2006.16.589