[Effect of extended-release methylphenidate on the ecological executive function for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder].
OBJECTIVE
To test the effect of extended-released methylphenidate (Concerta) on ecological executive function for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to evaluate the correlation between the improvement of ecological executive function and that of the core symptom of ADHD.


METHODS
We conducted a 4-6-week open-trial study of extended-released methylphenidate (18-54 mg/d) in 26 children with ADHD, aged 8-14 years. Ecological executive function and ADHD symptoms were ascertained by the parent form of behavior rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF), ADHD-IV rating scale and Conners short form rating scales before and after the treatment.


RESULTS
The mean item raw score of global executive composite (GEC), metacognition index (MI),working memory, monitor and inhibition subscale of BRIEF were significantly decreased after the treatment (t=2.763-3.380, P<0.05). The reduction rates of MI and the 5 subscales attached to MI were moderately correlated to the maximum reduction rates of the inattentive subscale of ADHD-IV rating scale (r=0.415-0.640, P<0.05). While the correlation between the reduction rate of inhibition subscale and the maximum reduction rates of ADHD symptom were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The extended-released methylphenidate was proved to have the potential to improve ecological executive function of ADHD. The improvement of inhibition might not parallel that of the core symptom of ADHD.
Qian
Ying
Y
Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
Cao
Qing-jiu
QJ
Wang
Yu-feng
YF
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008774:Methylphenidate