Tics and Dyskinesias Associated With Stimulant Treatment in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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Abstract
Objective: To determine the incidence of tics or dyskinesias (T/D) and examine associated clinical factors in children treated with stimulant medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a clinic cohort with chart review. Setting: Hospital-based clinical service within a division of developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Patients: One hundred twenty-two children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medication. All children currently or recently treated were included. Interventions: None. Measurements and Results: Determinations were made of medication used, medication dosage, presence or absence of T/D, time of T/D onset, and history and family history of T/D. Incidence of T/D was 9.0% of children or 8.2% of medication trials. One child (0.8%) had development of Tourette's syndrome. Age, medication, dosage, history of tics, or family history of tics was not related to onset of T/D. Conclusion: Approximately 9% of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medication had development of T/D, predominantly transient in nature, with less than 1% having development of chronic tics or Tourette's syndrome. Personal or family tic history, medication selection, or dosage was not related to onset of T/D. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:859-861)