Eli Lilly study suggests atomoxetine HCI effective in treating ADHD, associated anxiety disorders

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., May 24 - Results from a 12-week randomized, double-blind study suggest that Eli Lilly & Co.'s atomoxetine HCl significantly improved measures of psychosocial functioning (the impact of ADHD on a person's life) in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.

An estimated 35% of children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders like separation anxiety, generalized anxiety or social phobia, according to a company news release.

A selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine, reduced ADHD symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity by 39%, compared to a 4% improvement in patients taking a placebo. Atomoxetine also significantly reduced anxiety symptoms like excessive worry, sweating and trembling by 32%, compared with 19% of patients taking a placebo.

A secondary analysis of atomoxetine's affect on patient functioning showed improvement in functioning measured on the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (9% vs. 4% for a placebo), the Life Participation Scale for ADHD-Revised (31% vs. 10% for a placebo) and the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Completed Full Length (23% vs. 11% for a placebo).

"Treating ADHD in children is challenging, because of the complexity of the disease and the presentation of underlying issues such as anxiety," said Daniel Geller, director of the Pediatric Obsessive Compulsive Disorder program at Massachusetts General Hospital, in the release.

"This study suggests that atomoxetine improved ADHD and anxiety symptoms in children with both ADHD and anxiety disorders."

The study results were presented at the 159th annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association.

Lilly is a pharmaceutical company located in Indianapolis.

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