Abstract
To determine safety and the efficacy of carnitine treatment in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The ADHD behavior was observed by parents completing the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and by teachers completing the Conners teacher-rating score, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled double-crossover trial. In 13/24 boys receiving carnitine, home behavior improved as assessed with the CBCL total score ( P<0.02). In 13/24 boys, school behavior improved as assessed with the Conners teacher-rating score ( P<0.05). Before treatment, the CBCL total and sub-scores were significantly different from those of normal Dutch boys ( P<0.0001). Responders showed a significant improvement of the CBCL total scores compared to baseline ( P<0.0001). In the majority of boys no side effects were seen. At baseline and after carnitine treatment, responders showed higher levels of plasma-free carnitine ( P<0.03) and acetylcarnitine ( P<0.05). Compared to baseline, the carnitine treatment caused in the responsive patients a decrease of 20–65% (8–48 points) as assessed by the CBCL total problem rating scale. Treatment with carnitine significantly decreased the attention problems and aggressive behavior in boys with ADHD.
Published Version
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