Methylphenidate versus dexamphetamine in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A double-blind, crossover trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare methylphenidate (MPH) and dexamphetamine (DEX) in a sample of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
A total of 125 children with ADHD received both MPH (0.3 mg/kg twice daily) and DEX (0.15 mg/kg twice daily) for 2 weeks a double-blind, crossover study. Outcome measures were Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, Conners' Teacher Rating Scale-Revised, a Parent Global Perceptions questionnaire, the Continuous Performance Test, and the Barkley Side Effects Rating Scale.


RESULTS
There were significant group mean improvements from baseline score on all measures for both stimulants. On the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale-Revised, response was greater on MPH than DEX on the conduct problems and hyperactivity factors, as well as on the hyperactivity index. On the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, anxiety was the only factor to differ significantly, in favor of MPH. Parents rated 73% of subjects as globally improved on MPH and 69% improved on DEX, compared with baseline. Overall, 46% of parents chose MPH as the preferred drug, compared with 37% who chose DEX. On the Continuous Performance Test, there was no difference in the number of correct responses or errors between the two drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Most children with ADHD improve significantly on both MPH and DEX. There was a slight advantage to MPH on most measures.
Efron
D
D
Centre for Community Child Health and Ambulatory Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Jarman
F
F
Barker
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine