title: Effects of high methylphenidate doses on the cognitive performance of hyperactive children.
abstract: It has been reported that high doses of methylphenidate, required for optimal clinical efficacy in the treatment of hyperactive children impair cognitive performance. This study examines the effects of a four week placebo trial of high doses of methylphenidate on cognitive performance in hyperactive 81 children. In addition, effects of medication over more extended time (12 weeks) are examined. Dosage after 4 weeks averaged 1.78 mg/kg, and after 12 weeks 1.66 mg/kg. No significant decrements in cognitive performance were obtained on any measure which included tests of: IQ, reading, spelling, arithmetic, non-verbal reasoning, graphomotor performance, visual memory, and sustained attention. The results argue for titrating medication to obtain maximum behavioral improvement. (Tab. 2, Ref. 15.)
authors.affiliation: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University New York, NY 10032.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Klein
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011581:Psychological Tests
chemical_list: D008774:Methylphenidate