A pilot study of methylphenidate, clonidine, or the combination in ADHD comorbid with aggressive oppositional defiant or conduct disorder

A pilot comparison of the safety and efficacy of methylphenidate (MPH) comb ined with clonidine, clonidine monotherapy, or MPH monotherapy in 6- to 16- year-old children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) and comorbid aggressive oppositional defiant disorder or conduct diso rder was completed. Study design was a 3-month, randomized, blinded, group comparison with eight subjects per group. No placebo comparison was used. A ll three treatment groups showed significant improvements in attention defi cits, impulsivity oppositional, and conduct disordered symptoms as assessed by parent anti teacher rating scales and laboratory measures. Significant differences among treatment groups were found only on a few measures. Only the clonidine monotherapy group showed significantly decreased fine motor s peed. These results suggest the Safety and efficacy of clonidine alone or i n combination with MPH for the treatment of ADHD and aggressive oppositiona l and conduct disorders.