[The effect of discontinuation of methylphenidate at adolescence onset on adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].
BACKGROUND
The positive effect of methylphenidate on children and adults with ADHD is well known. However, the effect of discontinuation of methylphenidate at adolescence onset on adult s ADHD is unknown. Objective. To determine the effect of discontinuation of methylphenidate at adolescence onset on adult s attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsivity and functional disabilities.


METHODS
Adults and their parents, spouses and/or friends were requested to fill out the same criteria diagnosis form filled out by their parents and teachers before (7 years of age), during (7.5 years of age) and at the end of treatment (12 years of age). They took methylphenidate (0.1 0.5 mg/kg/day) from age 7 to 12 years because ADHD. Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and functional disability were statistically analyzed by the paired sample method before, during at the end of treatment and at age 27 years.


RESULTS
Methylphenidate used for 5 years (7.5 12 years of age) improved significantly (p< 0.001) the average score for inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and functional impairment compared to pre (7 year of age) and post (27 years of age) treatment. The discontinuation of methylphenidate for 15 years (12 27 year of age) deteriorate significantly the average score for inattention and functional impairment when pre adolescent and adult values were compared (p< 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results strongly suggest that methylphenidate must be used throughout the adulthood to avoid the degree of inattention and functional disability found in this study.
Papazian
O
O
Department of Neurology, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA.
Alfonso
I
I
García
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate