PSYCH -- Randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study of methylphenidate for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in preschoolers...
Product Description:
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of methylphenidate (MPH) to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in an understudied population of preschoolers with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) or intellectual disability (ID). Methods: Fourteen preschoolers with developmental disorders (DD, n=14; PDD, n=12; ID, n=2) underwent MPH titration in a single-blind manner followed by a 4-week double-blind crossover phase. Each child was administered placebo for 2 weeks and "optimal dose" for 2 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ofMental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV)ADHD subscale of the Conners? Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R-DSM-IV-ADHD). Results: MPH improved parent-rated ADHD symptoms of the preschoolers; 50% were rated as responders. The CPRS-R-DSM-IV-ADHD subscale was significant for the PDD subgroup ( p=0.005, Cohen d=0.97) and marginally significant for the entireDDsample ( p=0.08, Cohen d=0.50). Half of the preschoolers experienced side effects with MPH, including reports of increased stereotypic behavior, upset stomach, sleep-related difficulties, and emotional lability. One child discontinued during titration due to side effects. Conclusion: The predominant direction of response in these preschoolers with both ADHD and PDD/ID favored MPH, even though the response was more subtle and variable than in older and typically developing children. Due to high rates of adverse effects, preschoolers should be monitored closely.
