Effect of Folic acid in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treated with Methylphenidate

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (MPH) are the first choice in the management of ADHD. Beside their desirable efficacy, some side effects such as decreased appetite and reduced growth are predicted. Our aim was to investigate the effect of folic acid in reducing appetite in children and adolescents with ADHD who were treated with methylphenidate. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of folic acid on symptoms, appetite and anthropometric indices in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with methylphenidate. Methods: A hundred patient with ADHD aged between 6 and 12 years enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized and assigned to two groups: intervention group received methylphenidate (0.5-1mg/kg) plus folic acid (1mg/day) for 12 weeks and the control group received only methylphenidate (0.5-1mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Assessments were done by the Conners Parent Questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and appetite questionnaire by a psychiatrist at baseline as well as 4, 8, and 12 weeks after initiation of the intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the effects of the intervention on the measurements at all four time points. Results: The mean age of children was 8.07 1.79 years. Age and gender were comparable in both groups. Weight, height, body mass index and ADHD symptoms were not statistically different in both groups. Based on the results of study of appetite variable and P <0.005, it was found that concomitant use of folic acid with methylphenidate in the intervention group caused a significant increase in appetite variables before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Folic acid increases appetite in children and Adolescents with ADHD. Moreover, it may result in improvement in growth and weight gain.