We evaluated the evocative effects of four conditions (high- and low-preference activities, low and divided attention) and stimulant medication on the behavior of a 16-year-old boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and moderate mental retardation. All behavior (activity engagement, activity changes, inappropriate touching, rude…

Objective: Although ADHD medications are effective for the behavioral components of the disorder, little information exists concerning their effects on cognition, especially in community samples. Method: A cross-sectional study of ADHD patients treated with three different ADHD drugs was conducted. Patients' performance on a computerized…

Knowledge of evidence-based pharmacological and psychosocial treatments is essential to carrying out roles and responsibilities within school-based practice. The purpose of this paper is to review the level of support for three psychotropic drugs reported in the literature to treat symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).…

Children who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or who engage in behavior consistent with such a diagnosis) are often prescribed stimulant medications for hyperactive or inattentive behaviors. However, the mechanisms by which stimulant medications affect individuals' behavior are rarely evaluated. The purpose of the…

The use of stimulants in the treatment of hyperkinesis is discussed in terms of: (1) side effects and long-term consequences; (2) drugs as easy solutions to problems; and (3) the potential for abuse and addiction. This paper stresses the need for a more intelligent and restrained use of stimulants than has been practiced. (Author)

The controversy over the use of drugs centers around the questionable nature of their effectiveness, the adequacy of the research base, the criteria for determining the need for drugs, the monitoring process for drug therapy, and the etiology of hyperactivity. (MV)

Condensed from a report of a 1971 conference sponsored by the U.S. Office of Child Development and the U.S. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs. (Editor)

This paper focuses on the international experience with early identification and intervention for children with AD/HD. Much less is known about AD/HD in two- to five-year-old preschool children than is known for older school-aged youngsters. Despite this lack of knowledge, AD/HD is increasingly recognized in this population and stimulant…

In this study, a classroom observation technique was employed to examine the behaviors of a group of teacher-referred hyperactive children in order to determine the frequency of specific behaviors exhibited. The purpose behind the study was the further investigation of behavioral observation and intervention techniques used by other researchers as…

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…

This study examined response to treatment with methylphenidate (Ritalin) across 6 measures of cognitive, academic, and social functioning in 71 boys (ages 7-11) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Response ranged from 18 percent to 71 percent across the six measures, suggesting that classifying a child as a responder to methylphenidate…

In addition to cognitive disability, fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with behavioral problems that are often functionally limiting. There are few controlled trials to guide treatment; however, available information does suggest that medications can be quite helpful for a number of categories of behavioral disturbance in FXS. Specifically,…

This study investigated whether the stimulant methylphenidate (Ritalin) would differentially affect performance on a test of cognitive style by hyperactive children. Subjects were 55 children, (ages 7 to 15) referred to the Learning Clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada for hyperactivity and/or learning problems. A paired…

Objective: This study was designed to examine context effects or provocation ecologies in the daily lives of children with ADHD. Method: Across 7 days, mothers and children (27 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] taking stimulant medication; 25 children without ADHD; ages 7-12 years) provided electronic diary reports…