Methylphenidate effects on cognitive style and reaction time in four groups of children.

Abstract

Four groups of children referred for attention disorders, learning disorders, or both were blindly titrated at statistically equivalent dosage levels of methylphenidate and improved more or less equivalently on several measures of attentiveness (cognitive style tests and reaction time). Methylphenidate dosage needs, which vary considerably, appear more strongly related to indices of nervous system sensitivity than clinical diagnosis. Interactions of stimulus intensity, reward level, and drug condition on reaction time (RT) lend credence to the theoretical constructs of augmentation-reduction and nervous system sensitivity. Order of treatment (placebo before drug or drug before placebo) had an unexpected effect on RT, suggesting that on a boring, frustrating task, methylphenidate may enhance performance less as a function of number of exposures to the experience.

• Authors: P T Ackerman, R A Dykman, P J Holcomb, D S McCray
• Journal: Psychiatry research (Psychiatry Res) Vol. 7 Issue 2 Pg. 199-213 (Oct 1982) ISSN: 0165-1781 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 6959170 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Methylphenidate

Topics

• Attention (drug effects)
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (drug therapy, psychology)
• Child
• Cognition Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Humans
• Learning Disabilities (drug therapy, psychology)
• Male
• Methylphenidate (therapeutic use)
• Psychological Tests
• Reaction Time (drug effects)