Objective: To review the primary and secondary findings from the Multimodal Treatment study of ADHD (MTA) published over the past decade as three sets of articles. Method: In a two-part article--Part I: Executive Summary (without distracting details) and Part II: Supporting Details (with additional background and detail required by the complexity…

Objective: To review and provide details about the primary and secondary findings from the Multimodal Treatment study of ADHD (MTA) published during the past decade as three sets of articles. Method: In the second of a two part article, we provide additional background and detail required by the complexity of the MTA to address confusion and…

Currently behavior modification, stimulant medication, and combined treatments are supported as evidence-based interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in classroom settings. However, there has been little study of the relative effects of these two modalities and their combination in classrooms. Using a within-subject design, the…

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behavior disorder which is characterized by levels of inattention (e.g., difficulty in concentrating on schoolwork), impulsivity (e.g., frequently interrupting conversations or activities), and/or overactivity (e.g., difficulty remaining seated when required to do so) that are well…

Objective: This literature review describes evaluation and treatment of minority youth with ADHD. Method: A search of databases for reports of ADHD in minority children was conducted. Results: Interpretation of behavior varies among parents, as does their trust in health care providers and school personnel. Parents desire to avoid stigmatization…

The effects of psychostimulant medication and behavior therapy on hyperactive children were reviewed with regard to effects on their social and academic behavior. Both treatments have resulted in clear short-term changes in social behavior but neither long-term academic nor long-term social effects have been shown with either treatment. (Author)

A review of research comparing behavior therapy with stimulant medication as treatment for hyperactive children is presented. It is concluded that behavior therapy seems to be a reasonable alternative or adjunct to medication for treating the social behavior problems of hyperactive children, although medication is noted to be slightly superior.…

A comparison of the effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and response cost in reducing the offtask behavior of two boys (7 and 8 years old) with attentional deficit disorders and hyperactivity revealed that response cost (with free time as the reinforcer) was superior to Ritalin in increasing ontask behavior and improving academic performance.…

The authors describe three types of ADHD behavior that affect from 3 percent to 7 percent of elementary school children, mostly boys. They recommend supplementing stimulant medication with behavior modification strategies, at home and school, to improve ADHD students' social skills and school performance.

Eight hyperactive children (6 to 11 years old) were treated with a behavioral intervention focusing on teacher and parent training over a period of 5 months. The results suggested that the combination of psychostimulant medication and behavior therapy may be more effective in the short term than either treatment alone. (Author)

Reviews the usefulness of functional analysis procedures for the assessment and treatment of behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Conclusions suggest that functional analysis may be particularly useful for identifying behaviors that are (or are not) maintained by social consequences and for the subsequent development…

Six boys, aged 9 to 12, attended a tutoring class focusing on reading for 30 minutes each morning. Six, 10-day treatment periods were imposed that used various combinations of drug placebo, noncontingent reinforcers, 0.3 mg/kg methylphenidate, 0.7 mg/kg methylphenidate, and self-reinforcement. The combined effects of methylphenidate and…

Compares three treatment modalities for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including stimulant treatments, primarily methylphenidate; behavioral treatments, including contingency management and parent training; and cognitive-behavioral or self-regulation therapies. Discusses methodological quandaries, constricted focus, and…

Summarizes research on the effects of stimulant medication on children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Concludes that medication alone is not enough, its benefits should not be oversold, and it is not the solution for everyone. Encourages educators to participate in interventions for children with AD/HD. (MKA)

Studies examining the social skills deficits of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are reviewed, and possible mediating activities are explored. Efficacy studies involving medication, behavioral interventions, and cognitive-behavioral interventions are discussed. The need for adjunctive nonpharmacological interventions…