P388 Methylphenidate use in 16 children with myotonic dystrophy and comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a case series

• Published in: Neuromuscular disorders : NMD Vol. 33; p. S155
• Main Authors: Hendriksen, J., Sweere, D., Weerkamp, P., Braakman, H., Collin, P., Klinkenberg, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2023
• ISSN: 0960-8966; 1873-2364
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2023.07.352

In Recent years there is a growing interest in prevalence and treatment of mental health disorders in Neuromuscular diseases. In myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a progressive multisystem disease including the brain caused by an abnormal expansion of CTG repeat on chromosome 19, several challenges on the cognitive and psychiatric domain are identified not only in the adult population, but in children as well. Apart from mental retardation, a higher prevalence of autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) have been described. We describe a case series on the effect of methylphenidate (MPH) in 16 children with MD1 and comorbid ADHD. All patients were seen as part of standard clinical care in a tertiary outpatient clinic in the Netherlands and underwent thorough medical, neuropsychological and behavioral assessment. We first describe the clinical decision-making process leading to MPH prescription in this population of children. Furthermore, we describe the reported effectiveness (Clinical Global Impression scale) and minor side effects. It is concluded that MPH may contribute significantly in clinical care of ADHD symptoms of young DM1 patients and therefor underscores the importance of recognition and support for psychiatric comorbid disorder. Clinical implications are discussed although larger longitudinal follow-up data are required.