Effects of methylphenidate on acute math performance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Examine the short-term (acute) effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on math performance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and what factors predict improvement in math performance.


METHODS
One hundred ninety-eight children with ADHD participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover MPH trial. Math response to MPH was determined through administration of math problems adjusted to their academic level during the Restricted Academic Situation Scale (RASS). Student t tests were conducted to assess change in math performance with psychostimulants. Correlation between change on the RASS and change on the math performance was also examined. Linear regression was performed to determine predictor variables.


RESULTS
Children with ADHD improved significantly in their math with MPH (P < 0.001). The degree of improvement on the RASS (which evaluates motor activity and orientation to task) and on math performance on MPH was highly correlated. A child's age at baseline and Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT)-Numerical Operations standard scores at baseline accounted for 15% of variances for acute math improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
MPH improves acute math performance in children with ADHD. Younger children with lower math scores (as assessed by the WIAT) improved most on math scores when given psychostimulants.


BACKGROUND
NCT00483106.
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; Medical Chief, Child Psychiatry and Adolescent Program, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec; Medical Chief, Severe Disruptive Behaviour Disorders Program, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec.
Natalie
N
Grizenko
Emmy
E
Cai
Claude
C
Jolicoeur
Mariam
M
Ter-Stepanian
Ridha
R
Joober
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate
academic improvement; attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; math performance; methylphenidate; psychostimulant; randomized clinical trial; response predictors