title: Comparison of risperidone and methylphenidate for reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with moderate mental retardation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the short-term efficacy and tolerability of risperidone and methylphenidate for reducing symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents with moderate mental retardation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a 4-week, single-blind, parallel-group trial, 45 subjects with moderate mental retardation and ADHD were randomized to risperidone or methylphenidate and assessed using objective rating scales for efficacy (SNAP [Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham]-IV and Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form) and side effects (Barkley's Side Effects Rating Scale and Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups had reduced ADHD symptoms during the trial. Repeated-measures analysis of variance yielded a significant effect for the interaction between time and group assignment in SNAP-IV Total scores (F = 3.26; p = .05), suggesting a more pronounced effect for risperidone. There was a significant weight reduction in the methylphenidate group and a weight gain in the risperidone group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings suggest that risperidone is associated with greater reductions in ADHD Total score than methylphenidate in children with moderate mental retardation and ADHD. Comorbidity and the side effects profile might be of importance in choosing between the medications, although it is usually prudent to try stimulants before antipsychotics in such children.
authors: Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
authors: Alceu Gomes
authors: AG
authors: Correia Filho
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Bodanese
authors: Tatiana Laufer
authors: TL
authors: Silva
authors: Júlia Paglioza
authors: JP
authors: Alvares
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Aman
authors: Luis Augusto
authors: LA
authors: Rohde
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D018967:Risperidone