Medium-term outcomes are comparable with short-term outcomes in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medication.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the short- and medium-term effects of psychostimulant medication in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Seventy-three children with ADHD participated in a double-blind crossover study of dextroamphetamine (DEX) and methylphenidate (MPH; results previously reported). At the completion of this study, subjects continued to take the preferred stimulant. Subjects were restudied 6-9 months later. The principal outcome measures were the Revised Conners' Parent and Teacher Rating Scales.


RESULTS
Fifty-three families (73%) returned the follow-up surveys. At 6-9 months, mean T scores were still significantly lower than the mean at baseline for all factors of both the CPRS-R and CTRS-R (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between scores at 6-9 months and scores at the completion of the corresponding medication period in the crossover trial.


CONCLUSIONS
After 6-9 months treatment with stimulant medication, ratings remained significantly better than at baseline. This suggests that the early benefits of stimulants are sustained for at least 6 months.
Efron
D
D
Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. efrond@cryptic.rch.unimelb.edu.au
Jarman
F C
FC
Barker
M J
MJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; 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; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine