Atomoxetine for Treating ADHD Symptoms in Autism: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Objective: This study systematically reviews the current literature on the administration of atomoxetine for treating children and adolescents with comorbidity on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD. Method: PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched to find the published trials on atomoxetine and ASD. Results: Six articles reported the clinical trials of atomoxetine for treatment of ADHD symptoms in patients with autism or pervasive development disorders. Only one study that was placebo-controlled crossover pilot trial reported that it is effective. Atomoxetine may be effective in high-functioning patients with autism or patients with low severity. Those with high severity of ASD may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of atomoxetine. Conclusion: There are not enough controlled clinical trials for showing the efficacy of atomoxetine for treatment of ADHD symptoms in autism. Although evidence suggests potential efficacy of atomoxetine, the current evidences are not conclusive.
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There is evidence of benefit in ASD from dopaminergic and noradrenergic stimulation with methylphenidate and from purely noradrenergic stimulation with atomoxetine.
“there is evidence of benefit by dopaminergic and noradrenergic stimulation with methylphenidate (25) and of purely noradrenergic stimulation with atomoxetine (148).”
From Can Bayesian Theories of Autism Spectrum Disorder Help Improve Clinical Practice? (2016) · cites this paper as [148]
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- Authors
- Ghanizadeh, A.
- Affiliations
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (IR)
- Corresponding author
- Ghanizadeh, Ahmad
- ORCID
- Ghanizadeh, Ahmad
- Venue
- Journal of Attention Disorders
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2012-04-27
- Volume
- 17
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 635-640
- ISSN
- 1087-0547 (ISSN-L)
- 1557-1246
- OpenAlex
- W2104597960
- Cited by
- 43
- References
- 36
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 4 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 3
- FWCI
- 2.05
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Attention Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
- Keywords
- atomoxetine, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD symptoms, comorbidities, children and adolescents, treatment efficacy, adverse effects, high-functioning autism
- MeSH terms
- Atomoxetine Hydrochloride, Adolescent, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Autistic Disorder, Child, Child, Preschool, Humans, Propylamines, Comorbidity, Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors
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