Clonidine treatment of hyperactive and impulsive children with autistic disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1992 Oct;12(5):322-7
Date
10/11/1992Pubmed ID
1479049DOI
10.1097/00004714-199210000-00005Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0026794346 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 263 CitationsAbstract
Many autistic children have associated problems of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that limit the effectiveness of educational and behavioral interventions. Few controlled psychopharmacologic trials have been conducted in autistic children to determine which agents may be effective for these associated features. Eight male children (8.1 +/- 2.8 years) with autistic disorder, diagnosed by DSM-III-R criteria, completed a placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial of clonidine. Subjects were included in the study if they had inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that was excessive for their developmental level. Subjects had not tolerated or responded to other psychopharmacologic treatments (neuroleptics, methylphenidate, or desipramine). Teacher ratings on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist irritability, stereotypy, hyperactivity, and inappropriate speech factors were lower during treatment with clonidine than during treatment with placebo. Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity: Comprehensive Teacher's Rating Scale ratings were not significantly improved during the study, except for oppositional behavior. Parent Conners Abbreviated Parent-Teacher Questionnaire ratings significantly improved during clonidine treatment. Clonidine led to increased ratings of the side effects of drowsiness and decreased activity. Clinician ratings (Children's Psychiatric Rating Scale Autism, Hyperactivity, Anger and Speech Deviance factors; Children's Global Assessment Scale; Clinical Global Impressions efficacy) of videotaped sessions were not significantly different between clonidine and placebo. Clonidine was modestly effective in the short-term treatment of irritability and hyperactivity in some children with autistic disorder.
Author List
Jaselskis CA, Cook EH Jr, Fletcher KE, Leventhal BLAuthor
Kathlyn E. Fletcher MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Ambulatory CareAttention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
Attitude to Health
Autistic Disorder
Child
Child, Preschool
Clonidine
Double-Blind Method
Humans
Hypotension
Impulsive Behavior
Male
Parents
Placebos
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Sleep Stages
Teaching
