PREDICTION OF CLINICAL-RESPONSE TO METHYLPHENIDATE IN CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Objective: To examine the pattern of individual responses to to methyl phenidate (MPH) in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disor der and to examine factors that predict drug response. Method: Individ ual drug response was defined on the basis of changes on the Abbreviat ed Conners Rating Scales completed by parents and teachers. These scal es were the main outcome measures in a double-blind, placebo-controlle d trial of MPH. Response prediction was examined in stepwise discrimin ant analyses, in which baseline Variables and the response to a single , 10-mg dose of MPH were entered. Results: Predictors of a strong MPH response were a high IQ, considerable inattentiveness, young age, low severity of disorder, and low rates of anxiety. A positive response to a single dose of MPH significantly improved the prediction of less st ringently defined levels of MPH response. Conclusion: Only strong leve ls of response could be predicted by baseline characteristics. Severit y of disorder based on clinical judgment and improvement after a singl e dose of MPH are found to be important contributors to response predi ction.