Effects of stimulants on the continuous performance test (CPT): Implications for CPT use and interpretation

An increasing number of treatment plans for individuals with attention-defi cit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as other disorders, include stim ulant medication. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stimulant medications on attention and impulsivity as measured by contin uous performance tests (CPTs). The effect of other stimulants (e.g., caffei ne, nicotine) on CPT performance was examined as well. Although various ver sions of the CPT were used in the studies reviewed, the research supports i mprovements in CPT performance with stimulant treatment. Implications for t he use of CPTs in evaluating the effects of medications on attention are di scussed. Also presented are implications for control of common substances l ike nicotine or caffeine when CPT is used and interpreted as a measure of a ttention.