title: Does methylphenidate normalize the classroom performance of children with attention deficit disorder?
abstract: The present study examined the degree to which methylphenidate (MPH) normalized the classroom behavior and academic functioning of 31 children with attention deficit disorder (ADD). Subjects with ADD participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which children received each of four doses (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg) of MPH and a placebo following baseline measures. Children with ADD were compared with a group of 25 normal control children on teacher ratings of social conduct, direct observations of on-task behavior, and academic efficiency. At a group level of analysis, MPH exerted a significant effect on classroom measures of attention and academic efficiency to a point where they were no longer statistically deviant from scores obtained by normal control children. Nevertheless, when examined at the individual level, 25% of the sample failed to show normalized levels of classroom performance, thus implying the need for ancillary school-based interventions.
authors.affiliation: School Psychology Program, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: DuPaul
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Rapport
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012574:Schools
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D008774:Methylphenidate