EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE ON AGGRESSIVE URBAN CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Determined the efficacy of methylphenidate (MPH) in a clinical populat ion of aggressive, urban children diagnosed with attention deficit hyp eractivity disorder (ADHD). In previous studies of prepubertal childre n with ADHD, MPH has been shown to be effective when compared with pla cebo. Eighteen inner-city children (ages 6 to 12 years), diagnosed wit h ADHD and attending a summer treatment program for youth with disrupt ive behavior disorders, participated in a double-blind placebo trial w ith assessment data obtained from staff in the program and parents at home. Based on staff ratings of the children's behavior in the program and an academic classroom, the children displayed significant improve ments in ADHD symptoms and aggressive behavior with low- and high-dose MPH conditions. At home, parents and guardians reported few significa nt differences between placebo and MPH on behavior ratings. In both se ttings, MPH was well tolerated with few side effects found during acti ve drug conditions.