Desipramine appeared more efficacious than clonidine in reducing ADHD symptoms as rated by parents ( SMD -0.90 , 95 % CI -1.40 to -0.40 , 1 trial , 68 participants , very low quality evidence ) in participants with ADHD and comorbid tics or Tourette syndrome .
Although this Cochrane Review did not identify serious adverse effects in patients taking TCAs , it did identify mild increases in diastolic blood pressure and pulse rates .
Also , patients treated with desipramine had significantly higher rates of appetite suppression compared to placebo whilst nortriptyline result ed in weight gain .
Other reported adverse effects included headache , confusion , sedation , tiredness , blurred vision , diaphoresis , dry mouth , abdominal discomfort , constipation , and urinary retention .
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS Most evidence on TCAs relates to desipramine .
Findings suggest that , in the short term , desipramine improves the core symptoms of ADHD , but its effect on the cardiovascular system remains an important clinical concern .
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood onset , which may persist into adulthood .
ADHD has a significant impact on a child 's daily life , affecting relationships and academic performance .
Its core symptoms include developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention , hyperactivity , and impulsive behaviour .
Tricyclic antidepressants ( TCAs ) are sometimes used as second line of treatment in the reduction of ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD .
However , their efficacy is not yet known .
OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of TCAs in the reduction of ADHD symptoms within the broad categories of hyperactivity , impulsivity , and inattentiveness in young people aged 6 to 18 years with established diagnoses of ADHD .
Design and rationale of controlled study of long-term methylphenidate and multimodal psychosocial treatment in children with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE To describe the rationale , methodology , and sample characteristics of a dual-site treatment study ( New York and Montreal ) of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) conducted between 1990 and 1995 . The hypotheses were that ( 1 ) methylpheni date combined with comprehensive multimodal psychosocial treatment was superior to methylpheni date alone in improving multiple functions and ( 2 ) the efficacy of the psychosocial intervention result ed from its specific components and not from nonspecific treatment effects . METHOD One hundred three children with ADHD ( ages 7 - 9 ) , free of conduct and learning disorders , who responded to methylpheni date , were r and omized for 2 years to ( 1 ) methylpheni date treatment alone ; ( 2 ) methylpheni date combined with multimodal psychosocial treatment that included parent training and counseling , academic assistance , psychotherapy , and social skills training ; or ( 3 ) methylpheni date plus attention control treatment that excluded specific aspects of the psychosocial intervention . Children were switched to single-blind placebo after 12 months ; methylpheni date was reinstituted when clinical ly indicated . Assessment s included ratings by parents , teachers , children , and psychiatrists ; school observations in academic and gym classes ; and academic performance tests . Almost 80 % of families completed the 2-year study . Companion papers present treatment effects . CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive 2-year psychosocial treatment was delivered successfully to children with ADHD and their families
Desipramine appeared more efficacious than clonidine in reducing ADHD symptoms as rated by parents ( SMD -0.90 , 95 % CI -1.40 to -0.40 , 1 trial , 68 participants , very low quality evidence ) in participants with ADHD and comorbid tics or Tourette syndrome .
Although this Cochrane Review did not identify serious adverse effects in patients taking TCAs , it did identify mild increases in diastolic blood pressure and pulse rates .
Also , patients treated with desipramine had significantly higher rates of appetite suppression compared to placebo whilst nortriptyline result ed in weight gain .
Other reported adverse effects included headache , confusion , sedation , tiredness , blurred vision , diaphoresis , dry mouth , abdominal discomfort , constipation , and urinary retention .
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS Most evidence on TCAs relates to desipramine .
Findings suggest that , in the short term , desipramine improves the core symptoms of ADHD , but its effect on the cardiovascular system remains an important clinical concern .
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood onset , which may persist into adulthood .
ADHD has a significant impact on a child 's daily life , affecting relationships and academic performance .
Its core symptoms include developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention , hyperactivity , and impulsive behaviour .
Tricyclic antidepressants ( TCAs ) are sometimes used as second line of treatment in the reduction of ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD .
However , their efficacy is not yet known .
OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of TCAs in the reduction of ADHD symptoms within the broad categories of hyperactivity , impulsivity , and inattentiveness in young people aged 6 to 18 years with established diagnoses of ADHD .