Susan H Beery1, Herbert C Quay2, William E Pelham3. 1. 1 Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA, USA. 2. 2 University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA. 3. 3 Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine response to methylphenidate (MPH) assessed by direct observation of ecologically valid behaviors in boys with ADHD with high hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) and those with predominantly inattentive symptoms (ADHD/I). METHOD: Sixty-three boys ages 7 to 13 participated in an ADHD Summer Treatment Program and received adouble-blind placebo-controlled assessment of .3 mg/kg of MPH on problem behaviors and individualized behavior goals. Medication effect sizes were calculated for each child for each behavior. RESULTS:Children with ADHD/HI ( n = 21) displayedlarger MPH effect sizes for interrupting, verbal abuse, and compliance, and marginally greater response for teasing and counselor-directed goals. Children with ADHD/I ( n = 21) displayed small medication effect sizes ( ds < .20) for many behaviors often identified as primary deficits in this group (e.g., attention to activities, peer interaction, class work completion, and accuracy). CONCLUSION: Systematic medication assessment for ADHD/I that quantifies response in ecologically valid areas of functional impairment is essential.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To examine response to methylphenidate (MPH) assessed by direct observation of ecologically valid behaviors in boys with ADHD with high hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) and those with predominantly inattentive symptoms (ADHD/I). METHOD: Sixty-three boys ages 7 to 13 participated in an ADHD Summer Treatment Program and received a double-blind placebo-controlled assessment of .3 mg/kg of MPH on problem behaviors and individualized behavior goals. Medication effect sizes were calculated for each child for each behavior. RESULTS:Children with ADHD/HI ( n = 21) displayed larger MPH effect sizes for interrupting, verbal abuse, and compliance, and marginally greater response for teasing and counselor-directed goals. Children with ADHD/I ( n = 21) displayed small medication effect sizes ( ds < .20) for many behaviors often identified as primary deficits in this group (e.g., attention to activities, peer interaction, class work completion, and accuracy). CONCLUSION: Systematic medication assessment for ADHD/I that quantifies response in ecologically valid areas of functional impairment is essential.
Authors: María Vallejo-Valdivielso; Pilar de Castro-Manglano; Azucena Díez-Suárez; Juan J Marín-Méndez; Cesar A Soutullo Journal: Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health Date: 2019-12-31