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Evidence summaries

Dextroamphetamine for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Intellectual Disabilities

There is no evidence for the effectiveness of dextroamphetamine for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with intellectual disability (ID). Level of evidence: "D"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 1 study with a total of 15 subjects. This was a cross-over study in 15 children with ADHD, intellectual disability (ID) and Fragile X syndrome. Duration of treatment was only one week. No significant difference was reported between amphetamine and placebo for any of the ADHD measures, but significantly more side effects were reported while taking amphetamine, mainly mood lability and irritability.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals), by study quality (inadequate follow up) and by concerns regarding the appropriateness of some of the outcome measures.

    References

    • Thomson A, Maltezos S, Paliokosta E, Xenitidis K. Amfetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in people with intellectual disabilities. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009 Jan 21;(1):CD007009. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords