Non-Stimulant Meds Improve ADHD Symptoms in Kids with Comorbid ODD

Non-stimulant medication may improve ADHD symptoms and overall functioning in children with both ADHD and ODD, study suggests.

The non-stimulant medication atomoxetine, which is sold under the brandname Strattera, has been assessed for children who have both Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Researchers have found that, compared to those taking a placebo, children taking Strattera showed significant improvement in ADHD symptoms. They also found that Strattera helped improve overall functioning, as kids taking the medication scored better on physicians' scales of improvement and severity.

Although they did not find a specific, long-term effect on ODD symptoms, the improvement in overall functioning found with Strattera provides evidence that the medication may have some effect on any and all symptoms a child may suffer from.