Atomoxetine Induced Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Mengühan Araz Altay

doi:10.15171/hpr.2019.12

Abstract

Introduction: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug used in the treatment of ADHD. Case Presentation: In this article, a case of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) which occurred in an 11-year-old boy with an increased dose of atomoxetine during ADHD treatment and disappeared with dose reduction is reported. This case is only the second OCD case resulting from the use of atomoxetine. Conclusion: The case reported herein is the second case caused by the use of atomoxetine and the first in which OCD symptoms regressed when the atomoxetine dose was reduced. OCD development due to atomoxetine consumption may occur at different doses. When OCD develops, the solution may be dose reduction, or it may be necessary to discontinue treatment with atomoxetine.

Highlights

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents
Atomoxetine is a selective, presynaptic, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor known as a noradrenaline reuptake (NET) inhibitor
A case in which atomoxetine was initiated due to ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) developed during the treatment is reported

Summary

Introduction

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental disorder, is being diagnosed with gradually increasing frequency It is reported at the rate of 5% in children. The clinical picture of ADHD manifests itself with inattention and hyperactivityimpulsivity that disturb the functionality or development of an individual.[1] Since the symptoms affect social and academic achievement and physical condition, treatment is often required; pharmacological agents, both stimulants and nonstimulants, are frequently used in its treatment.[2] Atomoxetine is a selective, presynaptic, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor known as a NET inhibitor It was the first non-stimulant medication to receive FDA approval for the treatment of ADHD.[3] In this article, a case in which atomoxetine was initiated due to ADHD and OCD developed during the treatment is reported. One month later, during the control of the patient, the partial regression of ADHD symptoms and no OCD symptoms were observed

Discussion

Conclusion