Ritalin vs. response cost in the control of hyperactive children: a within-subject comparison.
A within-subject comparison was made of the effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and response cost in reducing the off-task behavior of two boys, 7 and 8 years of age, who had been diagnosed as having an attentional deficit disorder with hyperactivity, Several dosages of Ritalin (5 to 20 mg/day) were evaluated with the results indicating varying effects of the drug for both children. Response cost (with free-time as the reinforcer) was superior to Ritalin in raising levels of on-task behavior and in improving academic performance.
D000124:Achievement; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014040:Token Economy
D008774:Methylphenidate