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Imipramine treatment of ADHD in a fragile X child
D K Hilton1, C A Martin, W M Heffron
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0080.
Insights
This case study highlights successful imipramine treatment for a child with Fragile X syndrome, addressing cognitive and behavioral issues, including novel findings of insomnia and enuresis.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Fragile X syndrome is a common X-linked genetic disorder causing intellectual disability.
- Characteristic symptoms include cognitive deficits and behavioral issues like ADHD.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy with Fragile X syndrome presented with typical symptoms plus initial insomnia and nocturnal enuresis.
- These sleep and bladder issues are not commonly reported in Fragile X syndrome.
Findings:
- Imipramine effectively treated the behavioral symptoms and attention deficits in this patient.
- Imipramine also successfully resolved the patient's insomnia and nocturnal enuresis.
Implications:
- This is the first report on the successful use of imipramine for Fragile X syndrome.
- Imipramine may offer a novel therapeutic option for managing complex symptoms in Fragile X syndrome, including sleep and bladder issues.
Abstract:
Fragile X syndrome, an X-linked genetic disorder, is the third most common cause of mental retardation. The following is a case of a 6-year-old boy with fragile X syndrome and its characteristic cognitive and behavioral symptomatology, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, this child experienced initial insomnia and nocturnal enuresis, problems not previously reported with fragile X. Previous pharmacological treatment of the syndrome's behavioral difficulties and attention deficit has included stimulants, folic acid, and neuroleptics. This is the first report of the successful use of imipramine. Imipramine also improved the boy's insomnia and enuresis, whereas methylphenidate caused an overall worsening of his condition.