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Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Buspirone versus methylphenidate in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a double-blind and

Rozita Davari-Ashtiani1, Mahin Eslami Shahrbabaki, Katayoon Razjouyan

  • 1Imam Hossein Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. rodavari@sbmu.ac.ir

Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|June 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Buspirone and methylphenidate (MPH) effectively treated childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While MPH improved inattention, buspirone showed fewer side effects, suggesting a favorable safety profile for ADHD treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
  • Methylphenidate (MPH) is a widely used stimulant medication for ADHD.
  • Alternative treatments with different side effect profiles are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and side effects of buspirone and methylphenidate (MPH) in treating children with ADHD.
  • To evaluate the impact of both medications on ADHD symptoms and specific symptom subscales.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-week, double-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 34 children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • Participants received either buspirone (0.5 mg/kg/day) or MPH (0.3-1 mg/kg/day) based on weight.
  • Outcomes were measured using parent and teacher ADHD Rating Scales and a side effect checklist.

Main Results:

  • Both buspirone and MPH significantly reduced ADHD symptoms as reported by parents and teachers (p = 0.001).
  • Methylphenidate was more effective in reducing symptoms of inattention.
  • Buspirone exhibited a milder and less frequent side effect profile compared to MPH.

Conclusions:

  • Buspirone demonstrates clinically significant efficacy in improving ADHD symptoms in children.
  • Buspirone presents a favorable side-effect profile, making it a potential alternative treatment option.
  • Further large-scale, cross-over studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.

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