AHMADABADI F, MOTAMEDI A, ZAHED G, MOTAMEDI A, SHAHRIARI F, POURFARZI F, JAFARI N, HOSSEINI MM. Efficacy of Addition of Atomoxetine to Speech Therapy in Stuttering Severity of Children Aged 4-12 Years: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
IRANIAN JOURNAL OF CHILD NEUROLOGY 2022;
16:47-56. [PMID:
36204431 PMCID:
PMC9531205 DOI:
10.22037/ijcn.v16i3.34450]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objectives
Stuttering is a common problem at all ages that is required to be treated since childhood. Atomoxetine is currently used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can be effective for the treatment of stuttering due to its selective inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake and dopaminergic properties. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of atomoxetine on children's stuttering.
Materials & Methods
The children aged 4-12 years and diagnosed with stuttering, referred to Pediatric Neurology and Psychology clinics , were randomly divided into experimental (n=50) and control (n=50) groups. One group received atomoxetine plus speech therapy, and the other group received only speech therapy. Both groups completed the Stuttering Severity Instrument-Fourth Edition at the baseline (on the first visit) and 3 months after the intervention. The results were compared between the two groups using SPSS software (version 21).
Results
Most of the children (67%) were male. Moreover, 24%, 46%, and 30% of the subjects were within the age ranges of < 60, 60-95, and > 95 months, respectively. Nearly half of the patients (52%) had a positive family history of stuttering. Stuttering severity was the highest within the age range of 60-95 months, in left-handed children, in those who used formula, and in those who felt insecure in the family; however, there was no difference in stuttering severity based on child's gender, concomitant ADHD, multilingualism, facial or movement tics, sleeping hours, and using teats. The mean stuttering severity reduced in both groups (P<0.001), with a greater decrease in the experimental group, compared to that of the control group (P=0.011).
Conclusion
Atomoxetine plus speech therapy is effective for the treatment of children's stuttering and can be used as a complementary treatment strategy in such patients.
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