This article provides an overview of two commonly used therapies for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder in children: stimulant medication treatment and training parents in child behavior management skills. The clinical issues involved in the use of each treatment, its limitations, and evidence for its efficacy are reviewed. (Author/JDD)

This paper selectively reviews research on event-related potentials (ERPs) during cognitive processing among children with attention deficit disorder. Research indicates that performance deficits during sustained attention are coupled with reduced amplitude of the P3B component of the ERP, which may be increased with stimulants. P3B latency and…

The sleep profiles of 13 children (ages 5-13) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were treated with a fixed dose of methylphenidate for at least one month were compared with those of 16 healthy siblings. Significantly more children with ADHD demonstrated sleep disturbances and higher rates of sleep disorders. (Author/CR)

Twenty subjects (ages 7-13) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were administered a battery of tests (including the Auditory Continuous Performance Test and the Token Test for Children) twice, first when not taking and then when taking methylphenidate. Results indicated significant improvement in performance on all measures when subjects…

This study examined the sustained effects of methylphenidate on reading performance in 42 boys (ages 8 to 11) with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, either with or without conduct disorders. Only the subgroup of those with conduct disorders responded, and significant reading improvement was exhibited in only a subgroup of these students.…

This introductory article describes following articles that present a variety of models of medication monitoring that can be carried out to ensure that when medication is used to treat attention disorders in children, it is used effectively and safely. Implications for persons working with children with attention deficits are discussed. (CR)

Determining whether stimulant medication improves learning or long-term academic achievement in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder involves consideration of (1) the prescription of higher than optimal doses, and (2) overinclusive treatment involving adverse responders. A study designed to overcome these theoretical deficiencies…

Focuses on methodological issues involved in choosing instruments to monitor behavior, once a comprehensive evaluation has suggested trials on Ritalin. Case examples illustrate problems of teacher compliance in filling out measures, supplying adequate placebos, and obtaining physical cooperation. Emerging school-based methodologies are discussed…

A study evaluated 32 non-medicated male adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood, 35 male adolescents similarly diagnosed who were receiving methylphenidate (MPH), and 77 controls. Medicated participants demonstrated a significantly greater severe sleep disturbance compared with non-medicated participants and…

This article explores the social impact of stimulant treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, focusing on intended effects on social behaviors, interpersonal relationships, social cognition, and self-perceived anger; potential emanative effects and untoward consequences; the need to map the attributional sequelae of…

This review of 28 studies involving children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder concludes that there is little empirical support for cognitive training's clinical utility. The paper discusses cognitive training's efficacy as a single intervention and as an adjunct to stimulant treatment, and its impact on cognitive, academic, and…

A technique is presented for evaluating methylphenidate (MPH) effects on core behavioral symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at the single-subject level of analysis. Case-study results and multivariate analyses suggests systematic evaluation of behavior and cognitive MPH dose-response relationships could lead to more accurate MPH…

Discusses the discrepancies among physicians, psychologists, and schools regarding the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorders. Stresses the need for all evaluations to include cross-disciplinary cooperation, and for the acceptance of standardized measures as part of the identification and treatment process. (CR)

A study examined the efficacy of the Restricted Academic Task in evaluating the effects of stimulant medication in 149 children (ages 5-17) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The measure consists of standardized observation of a child performing an academic-like task, and was found to be both reliable and valid. (Author/CR)