42 a four-year followup study of the effects of methylphenidate on the behavior and academic achievement of hyperactive children

ABSTRACT Sixty-two children were evaluated 4 years after their initial referral for symptoms of hyperactivity. Behavioral measures included parent and teacher judgments of behavior and

social adjustment. Academic achievement was assessed by teachers' reports, number of failed grades, special education services, and two individually administered achievement tests. Data

were analyzed for the total group to determine both the extent to which presenting problems diminished over time and the major problems still present. The effects of stimulant drug therapy

on outcome were assessed by dividing the children into groups according to the duration of time they had taken stimulants. Total duration of time on stimulants ranged from 6 months (Group I)

to 4 years (Group V). Results indicated that the symptoms of hyperactivity significantly lessened, but remained higher in these children than in normal peers. Behavioral and social problems

were less pervasive than academic underachievement. There were no group differences, indicating that the duration of stimulant intervention did not have a significant effect on outcome. The

clinical implication of this study is that the beneficial effects of stimulant drug intervention occur within the first months after initiation of therapy. Long-term treatment does not

appear to be of value in producing better outcome. ARTICLE PDF AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * Department of Pediatrics, University of California School of Medicine, Los

Angeles Linda Charles & Richard Schain Authors * Linda Charles View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Richard Schain View author

publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Charles, L., Schain, R. 42 A

FOUR-YEAR FOLLOWUP STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE ON THE BEHAVIOR AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN. _Pediatr Res_ 15 (Suppl 4), 446 (1981).

https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00051 Download citation * Issue Date: 01 April 1981 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00051 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the

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