title: A pilot study of methylphenidate preference assessment in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of methylphenidate (MPH) in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is widely accepted; however, there is increased concern regarding its abuse potential. Few studies have examined the reinforcing effects of drugs in individuals receiving them for clinical purposes. This study attempts to assess MPH preference in children with ADHD using a choice procedure in order to explore the relationship among drug preference, clinical efficacy, and abuse potential.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 5 children (10-14 years of age) receiving MPH for the treatment of ADHD. Reinforcing effects were assessed using a double-blind choice procedure, with six sampling sessions and six choice sessions. Participant-rated effects were measured using self-report questionnaires. Clinical effects were measured using direct observations and behavior ratings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Differences between the number of MPH, Placebo, and Neither choices across participants were significant (chi2 = 9.6; p < 0.01). Three of five participants reliably chose MPH more often than placebo. MPH produced idiosyncratic patterns of participant-rated effects but failed to produce significant clinical effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings add to the literature on the reinforcing effects of MPH and are the first reported in a clinical sample of children. Further research exploring the role of clinical efficacy in MPH preference is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: MacDonald Fredericks
authors.forename: Scott H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kollins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology
chemical_list: D008774:Methylphenidate