Combination of Neuroleptic and Stimulant Treatment in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity has been treated with stimulants such as methylphenidate which release dopamine in brain. The disorder has also been treated with neuroleptic drugs that block dopamine receptors in the brain. Children who had a partial response to stimulant treatment but required further intervention were studied in a double-blind crossover trial of a neuroleptic, propericiazine, or placebo, in addition to ongoing stimulant. The propericiazine was given for 2 weeks at a maximum dose of 0.2 mg/kg. Using Conners teacher's rating scale, the propericiazine-stimulant combination was found to be superior to the placebo-stimulant treatment. These results suggest that stimulants and neuroleptics benefit attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity via mechanisms more complex than simple release or blockade of dopamine.