THE EFFECT OF METHYLPHENIDATE ON THE COGNITIVE AND PERSONALITY FUNCTIONING OF ADHD CHILDREN

Twenty Israeli children diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperact ivity Disorder (ADHD) participated in the study. The study used a doub le-blind, cross-over, placebo-control design, in which each child rece ived a three-week treatment of methylphenidate (MPN[), and a three-wee k treatment with a placebo. Their teachers completed the Conners' Teac her Rating Scale (CTRS) along with ratings of other variables prior to the beginning of the study and during the two treatment periods. The subjects were tested on a specially designed battery of both cognitive and personality tests at the end of each treatment period. The result s showed significant differences between ratings of children's behavio r in pretest and subsequent placebo and MPH treatment periods. Compari son of the MPH and placebo treatment revealed no differences in any of the measures assessing cognitive ability and personality characterist ics.