Methylphenidate improves aspects of executive function in African American children with ADHD

J Atten Disord. 2006 May;9(4):582-9. doi: 10.1177/1087054705284243.

Abstract

Objective: The undertreatment of ethnic minority children with ADHD prompted a study on the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on the executive functions of African American children with ADHD.

Method: Nineteen African American children with ADHD are tested on the Tower of Hanoi (TOH) and the Paired Associates Learning Task (PAL) in a double-blind crossover acute challenge of MPH and placebo.

Results: Under MPH, TOH rule breaks decrease, especially in the second testing session, and TOH planning time increases, particularly for incorrect solutions; PAL recall in the final learning trial improves with MPH.

Conclusion: Similar to previous findings with predominantly majority samples of patients with ADHD, MPH enhances planning, precision, and persistence in African American children with ADHD.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Behavior / drug effects
  • Black People
  • Child
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Dextroamphetamine / therapeutic use
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Educational Status
  • Family
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / administration & dosage
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Single Parent
  • Wechsler Scales

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Methylphenidate
  • Dextroamphetamine