Adjunctive divalproex versus placebo for children with ADHD and aggression refractory to stimulant monotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of divalproex for reducing aggressive behavior among children 6 to 13 years old with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a disruptive disorder whose chronic aggression was underresponsive to a prospective psychostimulant trial.

Method

Children received open stimulant treatment during a lead-in phase that averaged 5 weeks. Agent and dose were assessed weekly and modified to optimize response. Children whose aggressive behavior persisted at the conclusion of the lead-in phase were randomly assigned to receive double-blind, flexibly dosed divalproex or a placebo adjunctive to stimulant for 8 weeks. Families received weekly behavioral therapy throughout the trial. The primary outcome measure

SUBMITTER: Blader JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2940237 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature