ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of osmotic release oral systemmethylphenidate (OROS-MPH) in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and comorbid psychiatric disorders. METHODS: This was an 8-week open label study of OROS-MPH monotherapy. The subjects were 113 children with ADHD aged 6-12 years. Outcome measures were the Korean version of the parent ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS), Korean version of the Conners Parent Rating Scale (K-CPRS), Clinical Global Impression-Severity and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement. Side effects were monitored using Barkley's Side Effect Rating Scale. We compared the change-over-time in the mean scores of the outcome measure according to the comorbidity of disruptive behavior disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and tic disorder. RESULTS: The mean K-ARS and K-CPRS scores were significantly decreased, regardless of the comorbidity. The mean doses of OROS-MPH and dropout rate did not differ significantly according to comorbidity. The OROS-MPH was well tolerated, regardless of the comorbidity. However, children with tic disorder reported a higher frequency of tics or nervous movements between the 2nd and 8th week than those without tic disorder. CONCLUSION: The OROS-MPH is effective for decreasing the symptoms of ADHD, and it is well tolerated, even by patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders.