Atomoxetine Versus Placebo for Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Randomized, Double-blind Comparison of Atomoxetine Hydrochloride and Placebo for Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study is to determine whether atomoxetine is effective in reducing ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms in children and adolescents with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Inclusion Criteria (most important):

• ASD (autistic disorder or Asperger's disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified [PDD NOS])
• Criteria A through D for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• At least 1.5 standard deviations above the age norm for their diagnostic subtype using published norms for the ADHD Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version
• Intelligence quotient (IQ) score > 60

Exclusion Criteria (most important):

• weight under 20 kg
• Patients who meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for ASD other than Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS or Asperger's Disorder;history of Bipolar I or II disorder, schizophrenia, another psychotic disorder, substance abuse;Have a significant medical condition such as heart disease, hypertension, liver or renal failure, pulmonary disease, or seizure disorder identified by history, physical examination, or laboratory tests; Patients who have taken (or are currently taking) anticonvulsants for seizure control.
• patients at serious suicidal risk.
• Contraindication to the use of atomoxetine
• Patients who in the investigator's judgment are likely to need psychotropic medications apart from the drug. Patients who at any time during Study Period II are likely to begin a structured psychotherapy, likely to require hospitalization (i.e. in-patient treatment) or likely to be dismissed from in-patient treatment. Psychotherapy (including hospitalization) initiated at least 2 months prior to study participation is acceptable; however, after study participation has begun, only during Study Period III supportive or educational therapy is permitted.