Methylphenidate in hyperactive boys with comorbid tic disorder: II. Short-term behavioral effects in school settings.

Abstract

In this study, 11 prepubertal hyperactive boys with tic disorder received placebo and three doses of methylphenidate (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mg/kg) for 2 weeks each, under double-blind conditions. Each boy was observed for approximately 20 hours in the school setting (classroom seatwork activities, lunchroom, and playground). Results showed that methylphenidate effectively suppressed hyperactive/disruptive behaviors in the classroom and physical aggression in the lunchroom and on the playground. Methylphenidate also reduced the occurrence of vocal tics in the classroom and the lunchroom. None of the motor tic measures revealed drug effects, but the lowest mean rate of motor tics occurred on the 0.3 mg/kg dose. On an operationally defined minimal effective dose, only one boy experienced motor tic exacerbation.

• Authors: K D Gadow, E E Nolan, J Sverd
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry) Vol. 31 Issue 3 Pg. 462-71 (May 1992) ISSN: 0890-8567 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1592778 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Methylphenidate

Topics

• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (drug therapy, epidemiology, psychology)
• Child
• Child Behavior Disorders (drug therapy, epidemiology, psychology)
• Comorbidity
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Humans
• Male
• Methylphenidate (administration & dosage)
• Neurologic Examination (drug effects)
• Personality Assessment
• Social Environment
• Tic Disorders (drug therapy, epidemiology, psychology)
• Tourette Syndrome (drug therapy, epidemiology, psychology)