title: Using the test of variables of attention to determine the effectiveness of modafinil in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a prospective methylphenidate-controlled trial.
abstract: The efficacy of modafinil in comparison with methylphenidate in treatment of pediatric attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been thoroughly investigated. This study compared the effect of modafinil versus methylphenidate on continuous attention task in children with ADHD, using the Test of Variables of Attention. Twenty-eight participants completed a baseline test followed by administration of a single dose of either methylphenidate or modafinil, after which the test was repeated. The test was performed a third time, after each subject received a dose of the medication not previously administered. Comparison of scores showed mean baseline, postmethylphenidate, and postmodafinil scores of -2.04, 0.017, and 0.09, respectively. No difference was found between improvements observed with either medication (P < .05). Adverse events for both agents were mild and self-limited, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and hyposomnia. The authors conclude that modafinil is as effective as methylphenidate; however, a larger scale long-term study is required to confirm these results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. helly.goez@albertahealthservices.ca
authors.forename: Helly R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Goez
authors.forename: Ori
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Neta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nevo
authors.forename: Odeya
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bennett-Back
authors.forename: Nathanel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zelnik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077408:Modafinil; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000077408:Modafinil