6-months follow up of lisdexanfetamine in adolescent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder comorbid with severe conduct disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Adolescents with conduct disorders (CD) often associate symptoms of executive dysfunction and developmental history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is high-quality evidence that psychostimulants have a moderate-to-large effect on conduct problems in youth with ADHD. Lisdexanfetamine (LXD) reduces impulsivity and others ADHD symptoms, has better daylong coverage and less abuse potential than others stimulants.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of lisdexanfetamine associated to psychological and family interventions in these multi-problem cases.

Method

This work presents for discussion the preliminary measures of the effectiveness and security of LXD (range between 50–70 mg, during 6 months), prescribed to seven boys, ages 15 to 17 with ADHD comorbid with severe conduct disorders. All of them were living in a Young Offender Centre, received intensive psychological and psycho-educational treatment during 6 months before and during the use of LXD. Structured clinical assessment, ADHD and Conduct Disorder Scales were performed before the onset and followed 3 and 6 months.

Results

Measures of ADHD, and CD symptoms improved at 3 and 6 months comparing to basal measures. Secondary effects were well tolerated and all patients showed a good adherence to treatment except for one of them who was drop out because of increase of anxiety.

Conclusions

Evidence indicates that LXD can be beneficial and well tolerate for impulsive and aggressive behaviours in teenagers with ADHD and severe CD. Limitations are the small number of cases and those related to the controlled observation method used.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.