title: The effect of methylphenidate on sustained attention among adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
abstract: Twenty-seven adolescents diagnosed as having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were tested twice with a computerized MATH-CPT (mathematics continuous performance test). In one administration, the participants took medication (methylphenidate, MPH) 1.5 hr before being tested. In another administration, the MATH-CPT was administered without the medication. Treatment with MPH improved the "overall attention level" and in measures of "reaction time" and "impulsivity." MPH did not improve the performance in the four measures of sustained attention. Knowing that treatment with MPH does not improve sustained attention can be helpful in reaching a decision of whether or not a child should be treated with MPH.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Behavioral Sciences , Yezreel Valley College , Yezreel , Israel.
authors.forename: Dubi
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lufi
authors.forename: Shiry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bassin-Savion
authors.forename: Lilach
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rubel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate
keywords: computerized-testing; continuous-performance-test; mathematics continuous performance test; methylphenidate; sustained attention