An evaluation of stimulant medication on the reinforcing effects of play.
Although a vast literature has indicated that stimulant medications are effective for reducing inappropriate behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the effects of stimulant medication on ancillary behaviors (e.g., play) have yet to be investigated with the same rigor. We used a reinforcer assessment procedure to evaluate the effects of medication on the play and social behavior of 5 preschool children who had been diagnosed with ADHD. Conditions included (a) social reinforcement (i.e., playing with friends), (b) alone play, and (c) quiet time (i.e., resting). Results indicated that 1 of the 5 participants selected fewer social reinforcers and more nonsocial reinforcers (alone play or quiet time) while on medication. The findings indicate that the reinforcer assessment procedure may be a viable way to evaluate medication effects on an ongoing basis and to inform treatment decisions.
Larue
Robert H
RH
Louisiana State University, USA. larue@rci.rutgers.edu
Northup
John
J
Baumeister
Alan A
AA
Hawkins
Mike F
MF
Seale
Lauren
L
Williams
Tara
T
Ridgway
Andrea
A
D000662:Amphetamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009042:Motivation; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012056:Reinforcement, Social; D012919:Social Behavior; D014040:Token Economy
C090411:Adderall; D000662:Amphetamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D003913:Dextroamphetamine