EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE ON PRESCHOOL-CHILDREN WITH ADHD - COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL FUNCTIONS

Objective: To report on implications for methylphenidate treatment of this very young age group and the need to examine factors related to a chieving compliance. Method: Thirty-one children with attention-defici t hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aged 4 to 6 years, participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using placebo, 0.3 mg/kg, and 0 .5 mg/kg of methylphenidate twice per day. Results: Improvements relat ed to medication were obtained on cognitive tests of attention and imp ulsivity as well as behaviors assessed by parent rating scales. In an interactive setting with their mothers, attentional abilities and the children's ability to work more productively also showed improvement. However, no changes were obtained with respect to the children's tende ncy to comply with parental requests. Side effects increased slightly with the high dosage of medication but remained mild. Conclusion: The results suggest that methylphenidate can be used to improve the functi oning of preschool-age children with ADHD, in a manner similar to thei r school-age counterparts.