Adjunctive atomoxetine to SSRIs or SNRIs in the treatment of adult ADHD patients with comorbid partially responsive generalized anxiety (GA): an open-label study

To examine changes in partially responsive anxiety symptoms utilizing adjunctive treatment with atomoxetine in the treatment of adult ADHD patients with comorbid partially responsive anxiety symptoms. Consenting adult patients (n = 29) with confirmed diagnosis of generalized anxiety and comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in this open-label study. All patients had significant comorbid anxiety symptoms (HAM-A > 7) and failed to respond to 8-week trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). All patients were treated with atomoxetine as adjunctive to SSRIs or to SNRIs and were followed for at least 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Clinical Global Impression severity subscale. Other scales included the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) symptom checklist, and Sheehan’s Disability Scale. Baseline measures prior to the treatment with atomoxetine were compared to those at 4, 8, and at 12 weeks of treatment. Monitoring for pulse, blood pressure, and weight changes was carried out at baseline and at end point. Twenty-seven patients (93%) completed this open-label study. There was significant resolution of symptoms of all outcome measures, including the symptoms of anxiety, as shown by changes from baseline in HAM-A, ASRS-v1.1, and CGI at 12 weeks (P < .001). Also, there was significant reduction in the disability score at 12 weeks. Patients completed the study, tolerated the adjunctive treatment, and there were no significant cardiovascular or weight changes. Two patients withdrew from the study during the first 4 weeks of treatment due to side effects. Atomoxetine can be used as an adjunctive treatment in adult patients with ADHD and comorbid partially responsive anxiety symptoms.