Citation

Gadow KD, Nolan EE, Sverd J, Sprafkin J, Schneider J. J. Child Neurol. 2008; 23(9): 981-990.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8790, USA. kenneth.gadow@stonybrook.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0883073808315412

PMID

18474932

Abstract

Our primary objective was to determine if immediate-release methylphenidate is an effective treatment for oppositional defiant disorder diagnosed from mother's report in children with both chronic multiple tic disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children (n = 31) aged 6 to 12 years received placebo and 3 doses of methylphenidate twice daily for 2 weeks each under double-blind conditions and were assessed with ratings scales and laboratory measures. Results indicated significant improvement in both oppositional and ADHD behaviors with medication; however, the magnitude of treatment effect varied considerably as a function of disorder (ADHD > Oppositional behaviors), informant (teacher > mother), assessment instrument, and specific oppositional behavior (rebellious > disobeys rules). Drug response was comparable with that in children (n = 26) who did not have diagnosed oppositional defiant disorder, but comorbidity appeared to alter the perceived benefits for ADHD according to mother's report. Methylphenidate is an effective short-term treatment for oppositional behavior in children with comorbid ADHD and chronic multiple tic disorder.

Language: en