There is very-low- quality evidence that clonidine has a small effect on oppositional behaviour and conduct problems in youth with ADHD , with and without ODD or CD .
There is moderate- quality evidence that guanfacine has a small-to-moderate effect on oppositional behaviour in youth with ADHD , with and without ODD .
There is high- quality evidence that atomoxetine has a small effect on oppositional behaviour in youth with ADHD , with and without ODD or CD .
Conclusions : Evidence indicates that psychostimulants , alpha-2 agonists , and atomoxetine can be beneficial for disruptive and aggressive behaviours in addition to core ADHD symptoms ; however , psychostimulants generally provide the most benefit
Objective : Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) may have oppositional behaviour , conduct problems , and aggression .
These symptoms vary in severity , and may be related to a comorbid diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder ( ODD ) or conduct disorder ( CD ) .
Critical evaluation of the efficacy of ADHD medications may guide the clinician regarding the usefulness of medications for these symptoms .
Long-acting methylphenidate has an effect on aggressive behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
INTRODUCTION Aggression is frequently observed in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) . The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy with regard to oppositional and aggressive behavior of a new long-acting methylpheni date preparation ( Medikinet retard , MPH-MR ) , with equal portions of the immediate-release and the sustained-release active substance , and especially to look at correlations between either teacher or parent assessment of aggression and ADHD sub-symptomatology . METHODS Eighty five children and adolescents ( 6 - 16 years ) were investigated in a double-blind , r and omized , clinical trial over 5 weeks under a treatment with MPH-MR  using symptom checklists for ADHD , oppositional-defiant and conduct disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 4th edition ( DSM-IV ) . RESULTS A total of 64.9 % of the children showed oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder ( ODD/CD ) symptoms . A statistically significant effect was found in the group treated with MPH ( verum-group ) . On the basis of Cohen 's criteria , high effects were found for aggressive symptoms in school ( d = 1.0 ) , but not in the afternoon ( d = 0.4 ) . There were also lower effect sizes for more severe aggressive symptoms . We found characteristic correlations between ODD/CD symptoms and the ADHD subscale hyperactivity/impulsivity compared to the subscale inattention . CONCLUSIONS Long-acting MPH is effective in the treatment of oppositional-defiant and aggressive behavior , especially concerning milder symptoms . The expected correlation between impulsivity and aggressiveness could be confirmed
There is very-low- quality evidence that clonidine has a small effect on oppositional behaviour and conduct problems in youth with ADHD , with and without ODD or CD .
There is moderate- quality evidence that guanfacine has a small-to-moderate effect on oppositional behaviour in youth with ADHD , with and without ODD .
There is high- quality evidence that atomoxetine has a small effect on oppositional behaviour in youth with ADHD , with and without ODD or CD .
Conclusions : Evidence indicates that psychostimulants , alpha-2 agonists , and atomoxetine can be beneficial for disruptive and aggressive behaviours in addition to core ADHD symptoms ; however , psychostimulants generally provide the most benefit
Objective : Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) may have oppositional behaviour , conduct problems , and aggression .
These symptoms vary in severity , and may be related to a comorbid diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder ( ODD ) or conduct disorder ( CD ) .
Critical evaluation of the efficacy of ADHD medications may guide the clinician regarding the usefulness of medications for these symptoms .