The effect of methylphenidate on oppositional defiant disorder comorbid with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of methylphenidate on the diagnosis of oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD) comorbid with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
We conducted an open-label study in which 10 children and adolescents with a dual diagnosis of ODD and ADHD were assessed for their ODD symptoms and treated with methylphenidate. At least one month after ADHD symptoms were under control, ODD symptoms were reevaluated with the Parent form of the Children Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes (P-ChIPS).


RESULTS
Nine of the 10 patients no longer fulfilled diagnostic criteria for ODD after they were treated with methylphenidate for ADHD.


CONCLUSIONS
Methylphenidate seems to be an effective treatment for ODD, as well as for ADHD itself. The implications for the treatment of patients with ODD not comorbid with ADHD needs further investigation.
Grupo de Estudos do Deficit de Atenção, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. totasp@hotmail.com
Maria Antonia
MA
Serra-Pinheiro
Paulo
P
Mattos
Isabella
I
Souza
Giuseppe
G
Pastura
Fernanda
F
Gomes
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate