Mediators of methylphenidate effects on math performance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate (MPH), improve the academic performance of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the mechanism by which MPH exerts an effect on academic performance is unclear. We examined MPH effects on math performance and investigated possible mediation of MPH effects by changes in time on-task, inhibitory control, selective attention, and reaction time variability.

Methods

Children with ADHD aged 7 to 11 years (N = 93) completed a timed math worksheet (with problems tailored to each individual's level of proficiency) and 2 neuropsychological tasks (Go/No-Go and Child Attention Network Test) at baseline, then participated in a 4-week, randomized, controlled, titration trial of MPH. Children were th

SUBMITTER: Froehlich TE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3928797 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature