To study the efficacy and tolerability of atomoxetine in high-functioning boys with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD).
Fourteen boys (age 7-17) participated in a 10-week open-label study. Atomoxetine doses were 0.5 mg/kg/day in week 1 and 1.2-1.4 mg/kg/day in weeks 2-10. Changes in AD/HD symptoms were measured by the AD/HD Rating Scale, and global improvements by the Clinical Global Improvement Scale. Both measures were used to assess drug response. Assessments were done at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 10. Teacher ratings were done at baseline and 10 weeks.
There were significant reductions in AD/HD symptoms rated by parents (p