Use of Citicoline in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobehavioral disorder in school-aged children. Although there are several drug treatment options, some patients do not have adequate therapeutic responses to conventional medications or experience considerable adverse effects. Citicoline is an endogenous molecule that has beneficial effects on attention, impulsivity, and memory and is a potential treatment for ADHD. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of citicoline in pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD. METHODS: This randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included with patients aged 7-12 years diagnosed with ADHD. RESULTS: As a result, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of citicoline and placebo in the evaluated parameters. The treatment had no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Citicoline seems to be a safe molecule to be administered in the pediatric age group. Further studies are required to assess the therapeutic potential of citicoline in ADHD.