The effect of Piracetam in the development of attentional disturbances, hyperactivity and absent-mindedness in children with developmental retardation

History and Hyperactivity, inattention and absent-mindedness syndrome is a common problem among children and has clear-cut complications. Since piracetam is used for the treatment of developmental retardation and the existing controversies regarding its role in the pathogenesis of ADHA, this study was carried out to determine the effect of piracetam in development of hyperactivity and inattention in children with developmental retardation referred to Imam Reza hospital in Mashhad during the years 1997-1998. The clinical trial, two-blinded and cross-sectional strategy of this research was carried out on 30 children over 4 years old. Half of them received piracetam syrup and the remainder received placebo at a dose of 50 mg/kg the and after a 2-week period of washout, they received the treatment inversely and finally the ADHD condition was evaluated and analyzed statistically. Five of the cases did not cooperate to the end of experiment and the remaining 25 cases had an average age of 6 years consisting of 7 girls and 8 boys. The ADHD rate was 0.16±0.07 in control group and 0.44±0.09 in case group (P<0.001). In addition, incidence rate for ADHD was 14.3% in control group and 53.3% in case group (P<0.03). It was also found out that incidence rate of ADHD was greater in boys and occurs at a lower age. Piracetam consumption can lead to inattention disturbances, hyperactivity and absent-mindedness in children. Therefore, much precaution should be considered in administration of piracetam in children with developmental retardation or similar conditions.