Methylphenidate significantly improves declarative memory functioning of adults with ADHD.
BACKGROUND
Declarative memory deficits are common in untreated adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but limited evidence exists to support improvement after treatment with methylphenidate. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of methylphenidate on memory functioning of adults with ADHD.


METHODS
Eighteen adults with ADHD who were clinical responders to methylphenidate participated in this randomized crossover trial. After 3 days of no treatment, patients received in random order either their usual methylphenidate dose (mean: 14.7 mg; range: 10-30 mg) or placebo, separated by a 6-7-day washout period. Patients performed an immediate word recall test 1 h after treatment administration. Three hours after intake, patients performed the second part of the memory test (delayed word recall and a recognition test).


RESULTS
Delayed recognition and immediate recall was similar on treatment and on placebo. Delayed word recall was significantly better in the methylphenidate than in the placebo condition (F (1, 17) = 7.0, p <  0.017). A significant correlation was found between prestudy CES-D depression scores and difference scores on delayed recall (r = 0.602, p <  0.008).


CONCLUSIONS
Methylphenidate improves declarative memory functioning in patients with ADHD. New studies should further examine whether subclinical depressive symptoms mediate the effect of methylphenidate on declarative memory.
Verster
Joris C
JC
Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, the Netherlands. j.c.verster@uu.nl
Bekker
Evelijne M
EM
Kooij
J J Sandra
JJ
Buitelaar
Jan K
JK
Verbaten
Marinus N
MN
Volkerts
Edmund R
ER
Olivier
Berend
B
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate