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CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1871-5273
ISSN (Online): 1996-3181

Clinical Trial

Coenzyme Q10 in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author(s): Fatma Gamal*, Osama El Agami and Abeer Salamah

Volume 21, Issue 8, 2022

Published on: 12 January, 2022

Page: [717 - 723] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666211124093345

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common child neurobehavioral disorder whose pathogenesis is not completely understood. However, some evidence indicates a crucial link between this disorder and the degree of oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) is an antioxidant that may play a significant role in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 as an add-on drug treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Methods: Sixty children, aged 6-16 years, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, non-responders to atomoxetine treatment for 6 months, were included in this double-blind, randomized, and controlled study. Group 1 received atomoxetine plus coenzyme Q10, and group 2 received atomoxetine plus placebo for 6 months. Follow-up by CONNERS parent rating scale questionnaire (CPRS-48) was performed before and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment, and any drug-related side effects were reported.

Results: The addition of coenzyme Q10 to atomoxetine in group 1 improved symptoms in a shorter time with minimal adverse effects. Group 1 showed improvement of about 33.87% in CPRS-48 total score versus 18.24% in group 2. There was a statistically significant decrease in CPRS-48 total score and its three subscales (learning problems, impulsive hyperactive subscale, and 10-items hyperactivity index) in group 1 versus group 2 after six months of treatment (p-value <0.001).

Conclusion: Coenzyme Q10 has an important role as an add-on drug treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by improving symptoms, particularly hyperactivity, and in minimizing atomoxetine adverse effects.

Keywords: ADHD, coenzyme Q10, attention, antioxidants, oxidative stress, atomoxetine.

Graphical Abstract
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