title: Parents' attitudes toward methylphenidate using n-of-1 trial: a pilot study.
abstract: To compare parents' attitudes toward methylphenidate treatment in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder employing two approaches: (1) a 2-week double-blind placebo-drug trial (n-of-1 trial), (2) a traditional prescription approach. The study group (N-50) and a comparison group (N-45) were recruited. The Abbreviated Acceptability Rating Profile was administered prior to and following the pediatricians' consultation, and in 2, 4, and 8 weeks after prescription. Complete data set was available for 21 children in each group. While initial attitudes were similar, a significantly more favorable attitude following the performance of an n-of-1 trial and throughout the follow-up in the study group only was noted. Adherence was significantly correlated with attitude score in the study group only. An individual n-of-1 trial with methylphenidate appears to positively affect parents' attitudes toward drug treatment and may also help adherence with this treatment.
authors.affiliation: The Hannah Khoushy Child Development Center, Bnai Zion Medical Center, POB 4940, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Dorit
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Taragin
authors.forename: Suzana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Berman
authors.forename: Nathanel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zelnik
authors.forename: Avi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karni
authors.forename: Emanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tirosh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects
chemical_list: D008774:Methylphenidate