Use of Clonidine in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder Comorbidity: Report of 3 Cases

• Published in: Psychiatry and clinical psychopharmacology Vol. 33; no. 4; pp. 326 - 329
• Main Authors: Temeltürk, Rahime Duygu, İlçioğlu Ekici, Gökçen, Yağmur Efendi, Gökçe, Kılıç, Birim Günay
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Mesut Çetin 01.12.2023; AVES
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 2475-0581
• DOI: 10.5152/pcp.2023.23690

Clonidine has been widely used in child and adolescent psychiatry, especially in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which are recently categorized under neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is not recommended as a first-line medication for treatment, and current data on the use of clonidine are limited. Herein, we present 3 cases with ADHD and ASD comorbidity, if any, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and Tourette's disorder, treated with clonidine. At the second-month follow-up, substantial improvements were observed in subscale scores of Conners's Parent Rating Scale-Revised Long Form, and Autism Behavior Checklist. Our case report indicated that clonidine is well tolerated, safe, and effective in improving both ADHD- and ASD-related symptoms as well as disruptive, aggressive behaviors and tics in children with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders.