ABSTRACT
This study aims to examine the effect of methylphenidate, which is the most extensively prescribed medicine treating children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), on the children's neuropsychiatric functions by comparing the symptomatic differences before and after its medication. MEHTODS: The subjects of this study were 48 children who corresponded to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD of DSM-IV, did not have any problem in vision or hearing, did not have neurologic disorder such as epilepsy and brain damage, and did not have other long term medication. To evaluate the effects of behavioral response and medication, after stopping medication over a week we handed out questionnaires to the parents and conducted CPT to the subjects. A dose of 0.3-0.7 mg/kg (bid or tid) was medicated at 8AM and 1PM everyday. After 4 weeks of medication, the same tests were conducted. RESULTS: Average age of the subjects was 8.88+/-1.55. There were 44 boys (91.7%) and 4 girls (8.3%). Mean intelligence was 96.60+/-18.12 and mental processing was 102.90+/-16.51. On ADDES-HV, after medication attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity were significantly improved (p<0.05). On AcTeRS, after medication attention, impulsivity and social skill were significantly improved (p<0.05). On CAPs, after medication inattention and hyperactivity were significantly improved (p<0.05). On SNAP, after medication inattention impulsivity and hyperactivity were significantly improved (p<0.05). On the academic performance rating scale, after medication total score, learning ability, impulse control and social withdrawal were significantly improved (p<0.05). On performing CPT, after medication commissions error, hit reaction time standard error, variability of standard error and attentiveness were significantly improved (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: With these results, we recognized methy-lphenidate is more effective in children's impulsivity and hyperactivity than attention, contrary to the clinical observation.