title: Adult ADHD. Controlled medication assessment.
abstract: Many adults with ADHD respond to stimulant therapy, but controlled medication assessments have not been reported. We administered an effortful working memory task in four half-day sessions, double blind, at methylphenidate levels of 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg. Dose-response curves were established individually. Fifteen of 17 patients displayed a favorable response to one or more levels of medication; that is, they achieved more correct responses and less variability than on placebo. Each dose level elicited optimal performance from some of the patients. Unlike monitoring by self-report, the objective medication assessment offers an expeditious approximation to the ultimate optimal dose, potentially saving the patient weeks on an ineffective and/or excessive dosage regime.
authors.affiliation: New School University, 65 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003, USA. kinsbourne@aol.com
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kinsbourne
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: De Quiros
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tocci Rufo
mesh_terms: D001245:Association Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants