Medium-term outcomes are comparable with short-term outcomes in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medication
D Efron, MD, Paediatrician. FC Jarman, FRACP, Paediatrician. MJ Barker, GradDipEdPsych, Research Assistant.
Abstract
Objective: To compare the short- and medium-term effects of psychostimulant medication in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methods: Seventy-three children with ADHD participated in a double-blind crossover study of dextroamphetamine (DEX) and methylphenidate (MPH; results previously reported). At the completion of this study, subjects continued to take the preferred stimulant. Subjects were restudied 6–9 months later. The principal outcome measures were the Revised Conners’ Parent and Teacher Rating Scales.
Results: Fifty-three families (73%) returned the follow-up surveys. At 6–9 months, mean T scores were still significantly lower than the mean at baseline for all factors of both the CPRS-R and CTRS-R (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between scores at 6–9 months and scores at the completion of the corresponding medication period in the crossover trial.
Conclusions: After 6–9 months treatment with stimulant medication, ratings remained significantly better than at baseline. This suggests that the early benefits of stimulants are sustained for at least 6 months.
