Minimizing adverse events while maintaining clinical improvement in a pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder crossover trial with dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the availability of both dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate provides an opportunity to minimize adverse events in a pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stimulant trial.

Methods: Thirty-six medication-naïve children 9-14 years of age, diagnosed with ADHD, were enrolled for 6 weeks in a crossover trial, with 2 weeks of methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and a placebo in a randomly assigned, counterbalanced sequence. Barkley's Side-Effect Rating Scale (SERS), rated by parents, was used to assess adverse events.

Clinical gains from including both dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate in stimulant trials.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical gains from including both dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate in stimulant trials.

Method: Thirty-six medication-naïve children ages 9-14 years diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were enrolled for 6 weeks in a crossover trial, with 2 weeks of methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, and placebo, in a randomly assigned, counterbalanced sequence. Outcome measures constituted a computer-based continuous performance test combined with a motion tracking system (Qb Test) and an ADHD questionnaire rated by parents and teachers.

[Tourette syndrome. New aspects on pharmacological treatment].

Tourette syndrome is now widely accepted as a neurological disorder characterized by chronic multiple tics and uncontrollable sounds. The exact etiology of Tourette syndrome is still unknown, although an organic etiology is suspected. Hypotheses of the pathophysiologic mechanism of Tourette syndrome have generally included a component of neurotransmitter system "imbalance".