Direct behavior rating (DBR) represents a feasible method for monitoring student behavior in the classroom; however, limited work to date has focused on the use of multi-item scales. The purposes of the study were to examine the (a) dependability of data obtained from a multi-item DBR designed to assess peer conflict and (b) treatment sensitivity…

Objective: To determine if comorbid anxiety disorder is associated with differential response to immediate release methylphenidate (MPH-IR) in children with both ADHD and chronic multiple tic disorder (CMTD). Method: Children with (n = 17) and without (n = 37) diagnosed anxiety disorder (ANX) were evaluated in an 8-week, placebo-controlled trial…

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the 30-item teacher's version of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory Progress Monitor (CASI-PM-T), a "DSM-IV"-referenced rating scale for monitoring change in ADHD and co-occurring symptoms in youths receiving behavioral or pharmacological interventions. Method: Three separate studies…

Rating scales developed to measure child emotional and behavioral problems typically are so long as to make their use in progress monitoring impractical in typical school settings. This study examined two methods of selecting items from existing rating scales to create shorter instruments for use in assessing response to intervention. The…

Objective: Identification of differences among children with ADHD only, autism spectrum disorder (ASD)+ADHD, and chronic multiple tic disorder (CMTD)+ADHD may lead to better understanding of clinical phenotypes. Method: Children were evaluated using the parent- and teacher-completed questionnaires. Results: All three groups were highly similar in…

Interviewed were 115 parents of children receiving medication for hyperactivity, convulsive disorders, or other reasons. Parents received a Children's Medication Chart (CMC) which contained life size pictures of 69 different products to aid parents in identifying medication. The telephone interview covered such aspects as frequency of…

Questionaires were completed by 536 special education teachers about their training in, and experience with, pharmacotherapy. Results showed that almost all the teachers had directed experience with mentally retarded students receiving psychotropic and antiepileptic medication; few had received any formal training in drug therapy. (Author)

The effectiveness of psychotropic and antiepileptic drug treatment was investigated with approximately 2500 children receiving educational services in early childhood special education programs. The study consisted of three phases: phase 1 in which all teachers were surveyed to determine the prevalence of drug therapy and patterns of usage, phase…

Intended for parents and professionals, the book provides information on the use of medication for a variety of childhood disorders that require long-term treatment. An introduction sets forth reasons why caregivers should understand drug treatment and considers the importance of an international approach to pharmacological management of child and…

A review of eight long-term studies on the effects of stimulant drugs on the academic performance of hyperactive and learning disabled children reveals that seven studies confirmed that stimulants do not enhance academic achievement, at least in terms of changing adolescent or adult outcome. (CL)

Research is reviewed regarding the effects of stimulant drugs on academic performance in children who are hyperactive, learning disabled, or both hyperactive and learning disabled. Among conclusions are that, while stimulants may increase, academic test scores are not particularly great, and clincial implications for adults appear minimal.…

The prevalence and pattern of psychotropic and antiepileptic drug treatment for trainable mentally retarded children and adolescents in public schools were determined from teacher questionnaires and parent interviews. The relationship between drug use and age, race, and sex was also examined. (Author)

Objective: To examine the safety and efficacy of immediate-release methylphenidate (MPH-IR) for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (ages 6-12 years) with Tourette's syndrome (96%) or chronic motor tic disorder (4%). Method: Two cohorts of prepubertal children (N = 71) received placebo and three doses of…

Notes that psychopharmacologists have made considerable strides in establishing safety and efficacy of psychotropic drug therapy for childhood behavior disorders. Discusses controversy pertaining to appropriateness of medication or inadequacies of clinical management. Presents brief overview of the safety and efficacy of psychotropic drugs and the…

Research on the effects of stimulant drugs on attention and cognitive deficits in children with hyperactivity is reviewed. Topics covered include: attention and impulsivity, paired associate learning, school achievement, and drug induced attention and cognitive deficits. (CL)