Efficacy and safety of methylphenidate in treating ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with uncontrolled seizures: a Brazilian sample study and literature review

Children with ADHD and EEG abnormalities at baseline assessment, risk of epileptic seizures and maintenance on methylphenidate three years later

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the incidence of EEG abnormalities (EEG-ab) in children diagnosed with ADHD, investigate the risk of epileptic seizures (SZ) and maintenance on methylphenidate (MPH) over a three-year period.

METHODS

A total of 517 ADHD children aged 6-14 years were included. Baseline assessments included the identification of EEG-ab, ADHD inattentive subtype (ADHD-I), comorbid epilepsy, the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and the use of MPH. At the 3-year follow-up, assessments included the presence of EEG-ab, maintenance on MPH, AED usage, SZ risk in cases with EEG-epileptiform abnormalities (EEG-epi-ab), compared with control ADHD cases without EEG-epi-ab matched for age and gender.

RESULTS

EEG-ab were identified in 273 (52.8%) cases. No statistically significant differences were observed between the EEG-ab and EEG-non-ab groups in terms of age, gender, ADHD-I type or initial use of MPH. EEG non-epileptiform abnormalities (EEG-non-epi-ab) were found in 234 out of 478 (49%) cases without EEG-epi-ab. Notably, EEG-non-epi-ab occurred more frequently in the group of 39 cases with EEG-epi-ab (30/39 (76.9%) vs. 9/39, (21.3%), a subset selected for 3-year follow-up. At 3-year-follow-up no statistically significant difference was found in maintenance on MPH in ADHD cases with and without EEG-epi-ab. Nobody of ADHD cases without comorbid epilepsy or with comorbid epilepsy with achieved SZ freedom developed new SZ. Only 3 children with drug resistant epilepsy experienced SZs, without increase in SZ frequency. The disappearance rate of EEG-epi-ab was higher than that EEG-non-epi-ab (71.8% vs. 33.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with and without EEG-ab exhibited similar patterns of MPH use (initial use, positive response, and maintenance on MPH). The presence of comorbid epilepsy and EEG-ab, with or without EEG-epi-ab, was not associated with an increased risk of SZ despite the use of MPH.

Do psychotropic drugs cause seizures?

Patients with epilepsy often present with concurrent psychiatric disorders, posing unique challenges for healthcare providers. This review explores the intricate relationship between psychiatric comorbidities, epilepsy, and psychotropic medications to inform clinical decision-making. The bidirectional association between epilepsy and psychiatric conditions complicates treatment, with psychiatric symptoms preceding or following seizure onset. The review discusses the seizure risks associated with antidepressants, CNS stimulants, and antipsychotics, shedding light on both historical perspectives and recent empirical evidence. Antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are known to pose seizure risks, while newer agents like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) exhibit lower incidences and even potential anticonvulsant effects. Contrary to common beliefs, CNS stimulants used in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment show efficacy without significantly increasing seizure risk. However, the association between ADHD and seizures warrants careful consideration. Among antipsychotics, clozapine stands out for its heightened seizure risks, especially during titration and at high doses, necessitating close monitoring and individualized approaches. Understanding the nuanced seizure risks associated with different psychotropic medications is crucial for optimizing patient care and minimizing iatrogenic seizures in this vulnerable population. By recognizing the complexities of psychiatric comorbidities in epilepsy and considering the unique challenges they pose, healthcare providers can make informed decisions to enhance patient safety and treatment outcomes. This review offers practical insights to guide clinicians in navigating the intricate landscape of managing psychiatric comorbidities in patients with epilepsy.

Epilepsy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Connection, Chance, and Challenges

Comorbidities are common in children with epilepsy, with nearly half of the patients having at least one comorbidity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by hyperactivity and inattentiveness level disproportional to the child’s developmental stage. The burden of ADHD in children with epilepsy is high and can adversely affect the patients’ clinical outcomes, psychosocial aspects, and quality of life. Several hypotheses were proposed to explain the high burden of ADHD in childhood epilepsy; the well-established bidirectional connection and shared genetic/non-genetic factors between epilepsy and comorbid ADHD largely rule out the possibility of a chance in this association. Stimulants are effective in children with comorbid ADHD, and the current body of evidence supports their safety within the approved dose. Nonetheless, safety data should be further studied in randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials. Comorbid ADHD is still under-recognized in clinical practice. Early identification and management of comorbid ADHD are crucial to optimize the prognosis and reduce the risk of adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The identification of the shared genetic background of epilepsy and ADHD can open the gate for tailoring treatment options for these patients through precision medicine.

Treatments for child and adolescent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in low and middle-income countries: A narrative review

BACKGROUND

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 2-7 % of children globally and is associated with a myriad of difficulties that have long-term consequences. Most children and adolescents live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but there are few reports and no consolidation of findings on ADHD treatment outcomes in this population. We conducted a review of ADHD treatment literature for children and adolescents living in LMICs.

METHODS

Studies were identified using databases (PsychoINFO, Pubmed, MEDLINER, EMBASE, Global Health, Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar). The initial search produced 139 articles. These were filtered for language, title, abstract, and full-text keyword identification to yield a final 20 articles to be included in this review.

RESULTS

Reports on outcomes of both psychological and pharmacological treatment were relatively sparse, particularly the former, which mostly referred to parent training and multimodal programs in pre-school children. Most evidence exists for the benefit of methylphenidate-IR with a few reports on other agents, including clonidine, atomoxetine, and lisdexamfetamine. Methylphenidate is the most common agent to treat ADHD in youth in LMICs. Younger age, combined subtype, and comorbid oppositional defiant disorder were associated with poorer treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

Access to treatment for ADHD is overall limited in LMICs and varied among individual countries. Pharmacological treatments were generally more available than psychological interventions. Several barriers including stigma, cost, and lack of resources were reported to impact treatment acceptance. More research in LMICs is needed to improve and expand mental health services in these regions.

Pharmacologic Therapies to Promote Recovery of Consciousness

Pharmacologic interventions are commonly used to support rehabilitation efforts of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). The 2018 practice guidelines recommend amantadine in adults with traumatic DoC to promote functional recovery, though several other stimulants are used off-label in clinical practice and trials, such as methylphenidate, bromocriptine, levodopa, and zolpidem. Differences in the mechanisms of action, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, and drug-drug interactions should be considered when selecting the best agent for each individual patient. Overall, pharmacologic stimulants may provide a safe and inexpensive pathway to increased functionality and participation in rehabilitation. This article provides a concise summary of scientific evidence supporting the use of pharmacologic therapies to stimulate recovery of consciousness in patients with DoC.

Methylphenidate treatment for cognitive symptoms associated with ADHD in a pediatric epilepsy patient following resection of a left frontal cortical dysplasia

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ADHD symptoms can emerge or worsen after epilepsy surgery.

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Methylphenidate use improved cognitive symptoms of ADHD in our patient.

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Seizure aggravation did not occur following use of a neurostimulant in our patient.

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Our patient benefitted from a multidisciplinary intervention approach.

We present data on a 10-year-old patient with drug-resistant epilepsy who was treated with methylphenidate for symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that developed after she underwent surgical resection of a left frontal cortical dysplasia. . The patient’s parents reported methylphenidate was helpful in improving their child’s reading performance. Based on parents’ report, we examined benefits of methylphenidate on our patient’s cognitive problems in a controlled setting. The patient underwent a neuropsychological evaluation completed in three sessions over a five-day period. Methylphenidate was administered prior to the second testing session only and was associated with improvements in the patient’s attention, executive function, processing speed, and short-term memory performances. In comparison, word-reading performance, a task less susceptible to neurological impairment, was stable over the three sessions. The patient remained seizure-free after surgery and use of methylphenidate did not reduce seizure threshold. These findings support the use of methylphenidate in treating targeted cognitive problems associated with ADHD emerging after epilepsy surgery in children.

Methylphenidate for attention problems in epilepsy patients: Safety and efficacy

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an increased risk of seizures, and children with epilepsy have an increased prevalence of ADHD. Adults with epilepsy often have varying degrees of attentional dysfunction due to multiple factors, including anti-seizure medications, frequent seizures, interictal discharges, underlying lesions, and psychiatric comorbidities. Currently, there are no approved medications for the treatment of epilepsy-related attentional dysfunction. Methylphenidate (MPH) is a stimulant, FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD, and often used for ADHD in the setting of pediatric epilepsy. Large database and registry studies indicate safety of MPH in children with ADHD and epilepsy, with no significant effect on seizure frequency. Small single-dose and open-label studies suggest efficacy of MPH in adults with epilepsy-related attention deficits. Methylphenidate represents a possible treatment for attentional dysfunction due to epilepsy, but large, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded studies are needed.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with epilepsy and is associated with important psychosocial and academic consequences. Evidence are now available to guide diagnosis and treatment of patients with both ADHD and epilepsy.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of ADHD varies from 12 to 39% in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy to 70% in drug-resistant epilepsy. The diagnosis of ADHD requires parent-validated and teacher-validated rating scales, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV and DSM-V, to confirm the information in the rating scales by interviewing parents and to exclude other causes of symptoms. Treatment with methylphenidate is associated with clinically significant improvement of ADHD symptoms in 60-75% of patients. Recent data reinforce the hypothesis that ADHD medications do not increase risk of seizures, even in patients with epilepsy. Beyond pharmacological management, experts have recommended to include multidisciplinary involvement in transition clinics for patients with both comorbid ADHD and epilepsy.

SUMMARY

Management of ADHD in patients with epilepsy requires implementation of evidence-based data in clinical practice both for diagnosis and treatment. Currently, there is no specific treatment of ADHD associated with epilepsy and its treatment is based on the usual treatments of ADHD, with reassuring data about their safety in epilepsy.

Relationship Between Aggravation of Seizures and Methylphenidate Treatment in Subjects with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of methylphenidate (MPH), and especially its influence on seizures, in subjects with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy through a retrospective chart review of subjects treated with MPH in a clinical setting. We also evaluated factors that could affect seizure aggravation during MPH treatment.

METHODS

From April 2004 to July 2011, MPH was prescribed to 105 subjects with ADHD and epilepsy. The demographic characteristics, psychiatric and medical history, and electroencephalography (EEG) results were reviewed. Two pediatric neurologists reviewed seizure type, epilepsy diagnosis, changes in seizure frequency, and EEG parameters during MPH treatment. Pediatric neurologists and psychiatrists determined the temporal relationship between seizure aggravation and MPH treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects was 14.8 ± 3.4 years (range: 7-24 years). Sixty-five (61.9%) of the subjects were male. The mean duration of MPH treatment was 22 months (range: 2 weeks to 89 months) and the mean dose of MPH was 0.84 mg/kg/day. MPH was effective in controlling ADHD symptoms in both the seizure aggravation and nonaggravation groups. However, 21 (20%) subjects had aggravated seizures and 32 (32.3%) subjects had worsened EEG findings. Subjects with uncontrolled seizure or anxiety disorders at baseline were more likely to show aggravated seizures. Subjects who had epileptiform discharges, anxiety disorders, or were free of antiepileptic drug use at baseline experienced EEG worsening more frequently. The median duration of MPH treatment was significantly longer in subjects who did not show seizure aggravation than in those who did (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MPH treatment may be related to aggravation of seizures or significant worsening of EEG findings in subjects with ADHD and epilepsy. Thus, clinicians should closely monitor seizure aggravation after MPH administration, especially for high-risk subjects with uncontrolled seizures or anxiety disorders at baseline.

The Challenge of Pharmacotherapy in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy-ADHD Comorbidity

Epilepsy is common in children and adolescents where its prevalence is 3.2-5.5/1000. About one-third of patients also have attention deficit hyperactivity/impulsivity disorder (ADHD). The possible relationship between epilepsy and ADHD is still unclear, and ADHD symptoms (such as inattention, hyperactivity, behavioral disturbances) are frequently considered as adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The literature was searched for data on the behavioral effects of AEDs. Phenobarbital is the most frequently reported medication to induce symptoms of ADHD, followed by topiramate and valproic acid. Phenytoin seems to exert modest effects, while for levetiracetam there are contrasting data. Lacosamide induces some beneficial effects on behavior; carbamazepine and lamotrigine exert favorable effects on attention and behavior. Gabapentin and vigabatrin have limited adverse effects on cognition. Oxcarbazepine, rufinamide, and eslicarbazepine do not seem to aggravate or induce ADHD symptoms, whereas perampanel can lead to a high incidence of hostile/aggressive behavior, which increases with higher dosages. Information about the behavioral effects of ethosuximide, zonisamide, tiagabine, pregabalin, stiripentol, and retigabine is still limited. Because ADHD significantly affects the quality of life of epilepsy patients, the clinical management of this neuropsychiatric disorder should be a priority. Methylphenidate is effective most children and adolescents with ADHD symptoms and comorbid epilepsy, without a significant increase of seizure risk, although data are still limited with few controlled trials.

Stimulants Do Not Increase the Risk of Seizure-Related Hospitalizations in Children with Epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety of stimulants in children with epilepsy.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study based on Medicaid Analytic eXtract billing records from 26 U.S. states from 1999 to 2010, we identified incident stimulant use among children with epilepsy through outpatient encounter claims and pharmacy claims. We established a control group of nonusers and used frequency matching to generate index dates. We followed both cohorts for 12 months and calculated hazard ratios [HRs] of current and former use of stimulants versus no use on the outcome of seizure-related hospitalization using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

We identified 18,166 stimulant users and 54,197 nonusers in children with epilepsy. The incidence of seizure-related hospitalization in current stimulant users, former users, and nonusers was 3.6, 3.5, and 4.3 per 100 patient-years. After adjustment for confounders, we found current and former use of stimulants did not increase seizure-related hospitalizations (HR 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83, 1.09 and HR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.15). Children with cerebral palsy, congenital nervous system anomalies, or intellectual disability did not have significantly higher HRs than those without the already mentioned comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

This study has not identified any overall increase in the rate of seizure-related hospitalizations with the use of stimulants in children with epilepsy.

Effectiveness and Side Effect Profile of Stimulant Medication for the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Youth with Epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

This clinical case series examined the effectiveness and potential side effects associated with stimulant medication for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 20 youth with epilepsy.

METHODS

Response to stimulant medication was examined through symptom reduction on the Conners-Third Edition: Parent Rating Scale, Short Form [Conner 3-P(S)], which was administered to caregivers before initiation of treatment and following dosage titration to achieve therapeutic efficacy. Stimulant medication side effects were examined with the Side Effect Rating Scale before treatment and following dosage titration. Repeated measures mixed model approach was used to compare symptom reduction and side effects between the two time points.

RESULTS

Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant ADHD symptom reduction as measured by the Conner 3-P(S). Review of patient medical records and caregiver report did not reveal seizure exacerbation. Caregivers, in fact, reported fewer side effects following treatment for ADHD compared with baseline.

CONCLUSION

These results contribute to growing evidence in support of the effectiveness of stimulant medication, without seizure exacerbation or medication side effects, for treatment of ADHD in youth with epilepsy.

An update on the safety of psychostimulants for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

INTRODUCTION

Methylphenidate is the first-line pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although methylphenidate has a well-established evidence base for treating ADHD, its long-term benefits are unclear. Areas covered: Physical adverse effects, psychiatric adverse events and brain development Expert opinion: Some physical adverse events have been described (e.g. sleep disturbances, growth reduction, loss of appetite), although most are of transient nature. Psychiatric adverse events seem more related to the diagnosis ADHD itself, and not stimulant treatment. Concluding, short-to-mid-term use (i.e., up to 2 years) stimulants are relatively safe, but much less is known about longer-term efficacy and safety of these drugs.

Methylphenidate, cognition, and epilepsy: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential efficacy of immediate-release methylphenidate (MPH) for treating cognitive deficits in epilepsy.

METHODS

This was a double-blind, randomized, single-dose, 3-period crossover study in patients with epilepsy and chronic cognitive complaints comparing the effects of placebo and MPH 10 and 20 mg given 1 week apart. Cognitive outcome was evaluated on the basis of an omnibus z score calculated from performance on the Conners Continuous Performance Test 3 (ability to discriminate between target and nontarget stimuli [d'] and hit reaction time standard deviation), Symbol-Digit Modalities Test, and Medical College of Georgia Paragraph Memory Test. Adverse events and seizure frequency were monitored. An open-label follow-up is reported elsewhere.

RESULTS

Thirty-five adult patients with epilepsy participated, of whom 31 finished. Demographics included the following: mean age = 35.3 years (range 20-62 years), 13 men and 18 women, and baseline seizure frequency of 2.8 per month. Epilepsy types were focal (n = 24), generalized (n = 6), or unclassified (n = 1). Mean epilepsy duration was 12.5 years. A statistically significant performance benefit was present at both 10-mg (p = 0.030) and 20-mg (p = 0.034) MPH doses. No seizures were associated with either MPH dose. Adverse effects leading to withdrawal included cognitive "fogginess" (n = 1 on 20 mg), anxiety/agitation (n = 1 on 10 mg), and tachycardia (n = 1). One participant was lost to follow-up after one 20-mg dose without side effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-dose study suggests that MPH may be effective in ameliorating some cognitive deficits in patients with epilepsy. Additional studies are required.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02178995.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class II evidence that single doses of MPH improve cognitive performance on some measures of attention and processing speed in patients with epilepsy and cognitive complaints.

Pharmacotherapy for Dravet Syndrome

Dravet syndrome (DS) is an intractable pediatric epilepsy syndrome, starting in early childhood. This disorder typically manifests with febrile status epilepticus, and progresses to a multifocal epilepsy with febrile and non-febrile seizures with encephalopathy. Most cases are due to a mutation in the SCN1A gene. This article reviews treatments for DS, with an emphasis on pharmacotherapy. While many medications are used in treating the seizures associated with DS, these patients typically have medically refractory epilepsy, and polytherapy is often required. First-line agents include valproate and clobazam, although there are supportive data for topiramate, levetiracetam, stiripentol and the ketogenic diet. Other agents such as fenfluramine are promising therapies for Dravet syndrome. Sodium channel-blocking anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine are generally contraindicated in this syndrome. Nonpharmacologic therapies (such as neurostimulation or surgery) are understudied in DS. Because DS is a global encephalopathy, pharmacologic treatment of non-epileptic manifestations of the disease is often necessary. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is often encountered in patients with DS, and psychostimulants can be helpful for this indication. Other psychoactive drugs are less studied in this context. Extrapyramidal and gait disorders are often encountered in DS as well. While DS is a severe epileptic encephalopathy with a high (up to 15 %) mortality rate in childhood, careful pharmacologic management can improve these patients' clinical picture and quality of life.

ADHD in childhood epilepsy: Clinical determinants of severity and of the response to methylphenidate

OBJECTIVE

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly observed in children with epilepsy. However, factors associated with the development of ADHD and which might help to guide its therapeutic management, remain an issue of debate.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study that included children, aged 6-16 years, with both epilepsy and ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. After inclusion, patients entered a 12-16 week follow-up period during which they were either treated with methylphenidate or they did not receive specific ADHD treatment. ADHD was evaluated with the ADHD Rating Scale-IV.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-seven patients were included, of which 91 were seizure-free during the preinclusion baseline period. At inclusion, the ADHD Rating Scale-IV total score was 30.4 ± (standard deviation) 9.2, the inattentive subscore was 17.3 ± 4.4, and the hyperactive subscore was 13.2 ± 6.6. We did not detect any difference of ADHD Rating Scale-IV scores across patients' age or gender, age at epilepsy onset, epilepsy syndrome, seizure frequency, or number of ongoing antiepileptic drugs. Methylphenidate was initiated in 61 patients, including 55 in whom a follow-up evaluation was available. At the last follow-up, 41 patients (75%) treated with methylphenidate and 39 (42%) of those who did not received ADHD therapy demonstrated ≥25% decrease of ADHD Rating Scale-IV total score (p < 0.001). Response to methylphenidate was greater in girls but was not influenced by any epilepsy-related variables.

SIGNIFICANCE

We did not detect any epilepsy-related factor associated with the severity of ADHD. Twenty-five percent of patients did not respond to methylphenidate. A better understanding of the pathologic process that underlies ADHD development in childhood epilepsy might be required to improve therapeutic strategies.

Network science for the identification of novel therapeutic targets in epilepsy

The quality of life of children with epilepsy is a function of seizures and associated cognitive and behavioral comorbidities. Current treatments are not successful at stopping seizures in approximately 30% of patients despite the introduction of multiple new antiepileptic drugs over the last decade. In addition, modification of seizures has only a modest impact on the comorbidities. Therefore, novel approaches to identify therapeutic targets that improve seizures and comorbidities are urgently required. The potential of network science as applied to genetic, local neural network, and global brain data is reviewed. Several examples of possible new therapeutic approaches defined using novel network tools are highlighted. Further study to translate the findings into clinical practice is now required.

Comparative efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of lisdexamfetamine in child and adolescent ADHD: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials

Background

Several studies have shown that lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is efficacious in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Objectives

Aims of this study were to systematically review the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of LDX in child and adolescent ADHD. Any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of LDX versus placebo carried out in children and adolescents with ADHD were included.

Data sources

The searches of the SCOPUS, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were performed in September 2014. Additional searches in the ClinicalTrials. gov and EU Clinical Trials Register database were conducted.

Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions

This review included all RCTs of LDX versus placebo which were carried out in children and adolescents up to 18 years old. Additionally, the included studies must have reported the final outcomes of: i) severity of ADHD symptoms with standardized scales, ii) rates of improvement, iii) rates of discontinuation. To be more thorough, the languages of such RCTs were not limited.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

The abstracts from databases were inspected and the full text versions of relevant trials were examined and extracted for important outcomes. The efficacious measurements included either the pooled mean end-point or changed scores of ADHD rating scales, and the rate of improvement. Acceptability and tolerability were measured by the pooled overall discontinuation rate and the pooled discontinuation rate due to adverse events, respectively. A random effect model technique was utilized to synthesize the mean differences (either standardized mean differences or weighted mean differences) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 1,016 children and adolescents with ADHD were included. The dosage of LDX was 30 to 70 mg/day. The pooled mean change scores of LDX-treated group was significantly greater than that of the placebo (weighted mean difference [95% CI] of −15.20 [−19.95, −10.46], I²=94%). The pooled improvement rate of the LDX-treated group was also significantly higher than that of the placebo (RR [95% CI] of 0.34 [0.24, 0.47], I²=80%). The pooled overall discontinuation rate between the two groups was not significantly different (RR [95% CI] of 0.78 [0.46, 1.31], I²=63%). Similarly, the pooled discontinuation rate due to adverse events between the two groups showed no significant difference (RR [95% CI] of 1.99 [0.70, 5.64], I²=0%).

Limitations

The number of included studies was limited (five RCTs).

Conclusion

According to the present review, LDX was effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of child and adolescent ADHD. Unfortunately, the acceptability of LDX was not better than the placebo. Since the number of included studies was limited, the outcome from this review should be carefully interpreted and considered as preliminary. Further studies, therefore, should be conducted to confirm these findings.

Implication of key findings

Lisdexamfetamine is an efficacious stimulant for treating child and adolescent ADHD.

The use of stimulant medications for non-core aspects of ADHD and in other disorders

Psychostimulants play a central role in the management of ADHD. Here we review the evidence pertaining to the use of methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and related amphetamine salts, the prodrug lisdexamfetamine and modafinil for the management of comorbid ADHD and non-ADHD indications. There is a growing consensus that stimulant medications are helpful at improving the emotional dysregulation and lability, and oppositional and conduct symptoms that are often associated with ADHD. There is some evidence that psychostimulants may improve outcomes in those with treatment resistant depression, reduce negative symptoms and improve cognitive performance in schizophrenia, and that methylphenidate may reduce binge eating in those with bulimia nervosa. In general medicine, whilst the evidence is at times contradictory, psychostimulants have been shown in some studies to be effective treatments for chronic fatigue and narcolepsy, and to improve outcomes post stroke, post head injury, in dementia and various cancers. It seems likely that these effects often result from a combination of, reduction in fatigue, improvements in concentration and cognitive functioning and a lifting of mood which may be a direct or indirect consequence of the medication. Further studies seem warranted and these should focus on efficacy, effectiveness and long term safety. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'CNS Stimulants'.

Brain morphology in children with epilepsy and ADHD

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common comorbidity of childhood epilepsy, but the neuroanatomical correlates of ADHD in epilepsy have yet to be comprehensively characterized.

Methods

Children with new and recent-onset epilepsy with (n = 18) and without (n = 36) ADHD, and healthy controls (n = 46) underwent high resolution MRI. Measures of cortical morphology (thickness, area, volume, curvature) and subcortical and cerebellar volumes were compared between the groups using the program FreeSurfer 5.1.

Results

Compared to the control group, children with epilepsy and ADHD exhibited diffuse bilateral thinning in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, with volume reductions in the brainstem and subcortical structures (bilateral caudate, left thalamus, right hippocampus). There were very few group differences across measures of cortical volume, area or curvature.

Conclusions

Children with epilepsy and comorbid ADHD exhibited a pattern of bilateral and widespread decreased cortical thickness as well as decreased volume of subcortical structures and brainstem. These anatomic abnormalities were evident early in the course of epilepsy suggesting the presence of antecedent neurodevelopmental changes, the course of which remains to be determined.

Changes in the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after treatment with atomoxetine

RATIONALE

Atomoxetine (ATX) is a non-stimulant drug approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although animal models have provided evidence that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the effects of ATX in the brain, there are no studies of BDNF in ADHD patients undergoing treatment with ATX.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible changes in serum levels of BDNF in adults treated with ATX and its relationship with clinical improvement.

METHODS

A total of 54 adults with ADHD (age 33.43 ± 8.99 years) without any medical or psychiatric comorbidities were treated with ATX for 3 months; 35 of them completed the protocol. The clinical data for ADHD diagnosis, including Conners' ADHD Rating Scale and blood samples, were collected at baseline (V1) and at the end of the treatment (V2).

RESULTS

Adults with ADHD who completed ATX treatment for 3 months showed a significant improvement in their clinical symptoms. No significant differences were found in BDNF levels before and after treatment with ATX in the whole group of patients (p = 0.15). The inattentive subgroup of ATX responders showed a decrease of serum BDNF after 3 months of ATX treatment (p = 0.05) not present in the combined subtype (p = 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that BDNF is not directly involved in the neurobiological mechanisms of ATX-induced improvement of clinical symptoms of ADHD. The differences between the combined and inattentive subtypes in serum BDNF changes suggest selective ATX-induced effects in the function of brain circuitry.

Methylphenidate treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in young people with learning disability and difficult-to-treat epilepsy: evidence of clinical benefit

Purpose

To establish the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate (MPH) treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a group of children and young people with learning disability and severe epilepsy.

Methods

This retrospective study systematically reviewed the case notes of all patients treated with methylphenidate (MPH) for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) ADHD at a specialist epilepsy center between 1998 and 2005. Treatment efficacy was ascertained using clinical global impressions (CGI) scores, and safety was indexed by instances of >25% increase in monthly seizure count within 3 months of starting MPH.

Key Findings

Eighteen (18) patients were identified with refractory epilepsies (14 generalized, 4 focal), IQ <70, and ADHD. Male patients predominated (13:5) and ADHD was diagnosed at a median age of 11.5 years (range 6–18 years). With use of a combination of a behavioral management program and MPH 0.3–1 mg/kg/day, ADHD symptoms improved in 61% of patients (11/18; type A intraclass correlation coefficient of CGI 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.94). Daily MPH dose, epilepsy variables, and psychiatric comorbidity did not relate to treatment response across the sample. MPH adverse effects led to treatment cessation in three patients (dysphoria in two, anxiety in one). There was no statistical evidence for a deterioration of seizure control in this group with the use of MPH.

Significance

Methylphenidate with behavioral management was associated with benefit in the management of ADHD in more than half of a group of children with severe epilepsy and additional cognitive impairments. Eighteen percent had significant side effects but no attributable increase in seizures. Methylphenidate is useful in this group and is likely to be under employed.

The diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in patients with epilepsy

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) can cause significant impairment in psychosocial and scholastic achievement. AD/HD should be appropriately managed even if patients have comorbid epilepsy. The diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD in patients with epilepsy presents several challenges. Differentiating independent problems in attention from frequent epileptic seizures is the first step in evaluating these individuals. Once this is accomplished the formal independent diagnosis of AD/HD can be pursued. Data from non-epileptic AD/HD populations should be applied with caution to patients with epilepsy. Once attention deficit disorder has been diagnosed formally, choices in treatment can create other problems as some pharmacological treatments for AD/HD pose a risk of exacerbating seizures. This article serves as a review for the diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD spectrum disorders in patients with epilepsy.

The impact of methylphenidate on seizure frequency and severity in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and difficult-to-treat epilepsies

AIM

Difficult-to-treat epilepsies and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often co-occur. Because of concerns about the use of stimulants in children with this comorbidity, the impact of ADHD treatment on seizure frequency and severity is not known. This pilot study evaluated the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate in this population.

METHOD

After a 3 month period in which antiepileptic drugs were adjusted, 22 patients recruited from a specialist outpatient clinic for severe epilepsy (16 males, six females; mean age 11 y 2 mo, SD 3 y 2 mo) received methylphenidate for 3 months in an open label, non-controlled trial; four with generalized or multifocal (symptomatic/cryptogenic) epilepsy, one with generalized (idiopathic) epilepsy, 17 with partial (symptomatic/cryptogenic) epilepsy; five with partial seizures only, 17 with primarily or secondarily generalized seizures). Epilepsy, ADHD symptoms, and side effects were assessed using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist, the Hague Seizure Severity Scale, and the Side Effects Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Methylphenidate significantly improved ADHD. After 3 months of treatment, 73% of patients no longer had clinically significant symptoms. Methylphenidate also reduced seizure severity (9-point median decrease on the Hague Seizure Severity Scale). Seizure frequency increased in four out of 22 patients, but only one patient withdrew from the study for this reason. Most patients experienced no major side effects.

INTERPRETATION

These data are among the first showing that low doses of methylphenidate are safe and effective to treat ADHD symptoms in patients with difficult-to-treat epilepsies. Randomized controlled trials are needed to replicate the findings.

Practitioner review: current best practice in the management of adverse events during treatment with ADHD medications in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Medication is an important element of therapeutic strategies for ADHD. While medications for ADHD are generally well-tolerated, there are common, although less severe, as well as rare but severe adverse events AEs during treatment with ADHD drugs. The aim of this review is to provide evidence- and expert-based guidance concerning the management of (AEs) with medications for ADHD.

METHODS

For ease of use by practitioners and clinicians, the article is organized in a simple question and answer format regarding the prevalence and management of the most common AEs. Answers were based on empirical evidence from studies (preferably meta-analyses or systematic reviews) retrieved in PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge through 30 June 2012. When no empirical evidence was available, expert consensus of the members of the European ADHD Guidelines Group is provided. The evidence-level of the management recommendations was based on the SIGN grading system.

RESULTS

The review covers monitoring and management strategies of loss of appetite and growth delay, cardiovascular risks, sleep disturbance, tics, substance misuse/abuse, seizures, suicidal thoughts/behaviours and psychotic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Most AEs during treatment with drugs for ADHD are manageable and most of the times it is not necessary to stop medication, so that patients with ADHD may continue to benefit from the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment.