The effects of methylphenidate on word decoding accuracy in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The investigation aimed to delineate the immediate effect of methylphenidate on decoding in the comorbid condition of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and reading disorder. Boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity and reading disorders (n = 25) between the ages of 7.9 and 11.7 years, with at least average intelligence and verbal processing abilities participated in a double-blind, acute, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial with a single dose of methylphenidate 0.3 to 0.4 mg/kg with weekly intervals between testing sessions. The test battery included tasks of attention/control functions and reading domain functions. Paired comparisons and first trial group comparison comparing performance under placebo and under methylphenidate were used. Methylphenidate selectively improved strategy/set shift (P = 0.004) and facilitated improvement both in rapid naming (P = 0.043) and word/nonword accuracy (P = 0.028/P = 0.035). These findings lend support to a possible influence of methylphenidate on cognitive attention functions related to reading skills in the comorbid group.
Bental
Barbara
B
The Hannah Khoushy Child Development Center, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. babental@econ.haifa.ac.il
Tirosh
Emanuel
E
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004410:Dyslexia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate