Stimulant treatment safe, effective for ADHD in epilepsy

Data presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting indicated stimulant medication was effective and safe for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with epilepsy.

“Youth with epilepsy are at risk for ADHD. Historically, physicians have been reluctant to treat ADHD in youth with epilepsy based on concern that stimulant medication may lower the seizure threshold,” Michelle Lally, MD, of the Medical University of South Carolina, and colleagues wrote.

Michelle Lally

To assess efficacy and safety of stimulant medication for ADHD in youth with epilepsy, researchers evaluated 20 youth diagnosed with ADHD. Symptom reduction was determined by caregiver reports via the Conners Third Edition–Parent Short form and side effects were determined via the Side Effects Rating Scale prior to and following stimulant treatment. Caregivers also reported seizure frequency.

Study participants exhibited significant reductions in symptoms of inattention (P < .0001) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (P < .0001) following stimulant treatment.

Reported seizure frequency did not change among any study participants.

Side effects significantly decreased following stimulant treatment (P = .0012).

“The results of this analysis contribute to a growing body of evidence in support of the effectiveness of stimulant medication, without seizure exacerbation, for the treatment of ADHD in youth with epilepsy,” the researchers concluded. – by Amanda Oldt

Reference:

Lally M, et al. Treatment of ADHD in youth with epilepsy. Presented at: American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting; April 15-21, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.