Transdermal methylphenidate, behavioral, and combined treatment for children with ADHD.
Stimulant medication and behavioral treatments are evidence-based for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but the combination of the 2 treatments has been understudied. In this investigation, methylphenidate (MPH) was crossed with 2 levels of behavior modification (BMOD) in a summer treatment program. Twenty-seven children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, aged 6-12, participated. Children received placebo and 3 doses of transdermal MPH (12.5 cm(2), 25.0 cm(2), and 37.5 cm(2)). BMOD was implemented on alternating weeks. Both treatments produced large and significant effects. Combined treatment was superior to either treatment alone. The effects of transdermal MPH were comparable to those found in this setting in previous studies with multiple stimulant medications and formulations. Consistent with other research, low doses of MPH--even lower than in previous studies--yielded enhanced effects in combination with behavior modification.
Pelham
William E
WE
Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 14214, USA. pelham@buffalo.edu
Burrows-Maclean
Lisa
L
Gnagy
Elizabeth M
EM
Fabiano
Gregory A
GA
Coles
Erika K
EK
Tresco
Katy E
KE
Chacko
Anil
A
Wymbs
Brian T
BT
Wienke
Amber L
AL
Walker
Kathryn S
KS
Hoffman
Martin T
MT
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001519:Behavior; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate