EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE ON BEHAVIORAL-ADJUSTMENT IN CHILDREN WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION AND ADHD - PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM A STUDY IN PROGRESS

In this preliminary report from a study in progress, the effects of me thylphenidate on behavioral adjustment in children (N = 13) with menta l retardation (MR) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were investigated using a placebo-controlled double blind, crossover design. Parent and teacher behavioral ratings, and reports of side eff ects, were obtained with placebo 0.15 mg/kg, 0.30 mg/kg, and 0.60 mg/k g BID dosages of methylphenidate. Results revealed significant decline s in ADHD symptomatology (e.g., inattention, hyperactivity) with medic ation treatment, with the most significant declines appearing at the 0 .60 mg/kg dose of the medication. No significant behavioral improvemen ts (relative to placebo) were noted below the 0.60 mg/kg threshold, i. e., at the 0.15 mg/kg or 0.30 mg/kg dosages. These preliminary results strongly suggest that teachers may be more sensitive raters of sympto ms of ADHD, or else may simply have more opportunity to observe the co re symptoms of ADHD in a setting in which such symptoms are most likel y to be problematic. Although teachers appeared to be more sensitive r aters of ADHD symptomatology, parents may have been more sensitive rat ers of symptoms of side effects than were teachers. Results suggest th at both parents and teachers provide important information in titratin g stimulant medication in children with MR and ADHD.