Tics and dyskinesias associated with stimulant treatment in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of tics or dyskinesias (T/D) and examine associated clinical factors in children treated with stimulant medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of a clinic cohort with chart review.

SETTING

Hospital-based clinical service within a division of developmental and behavioral pediatrics.

PATIENTS

One hundred twenty-two children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medication. All children currently or recently treated were included.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Determinations were made of medication used, medication dosage, presence or absence of T/D, time of T/D onset, and history and family history of T/D. Incidence of T/D was 9.0% of children or 8.2% of medication trials. One child (0.8%) had development of Tourette's syndrome. Age, medication, dosage, history of tics, or family history of tics was not related to onset of T/D.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 9% of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medication had development of T/D, predominantly transient in nature, with less than 1% having development of chronic tics or Tourette's syndrome. Personal or family tic history, medication selection, or dosage was not related to onset of T/D.