Long-acting methylphenidate has an effect on aggressive behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
Judith Sinzig1, Manfred Döpfner, G Lehmkuhl
1Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Children & Adolescents at the University of Cologne, Köln, Germany. ju.k.sinzig@web.de
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
|September 8, 2007
Summary
Long-acting methylphenidate (MPH-MR) effectively treats aggression and oppositional behavior in children with ADHD. This study confirmed a link between impulsivity and aggression in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aggression and oppositional behaviors are common in children with ADHD.
- Assessing treatment efficacy for these symptoms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a new long-acting methylphenidate preparation (MPH-MR) for oppositional and aggressive behaviors in children with ADHD.
- To explore correlations between parent/teacher assessments of aggression and ADHD sub-symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A 5-week, double-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 85 children and adolescents (ages 6-16).
- Participants were treated with MPH-MR and assessed using DSM-IV symptom checklists for ADHD, ODD, and CD.
Main Results:
- 64.9% of children exhibited ODD/CD symptoms.
- MPH-MR showed statistically significant effects on aggressive symptoms, with high effect sizes in school (d=1.0) but lower in the afternoon (d=0.4).
- Correlations were found between ODD/CD symptoms and the hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale of ADHD, more so than inattention.
Conclusions:
- Long-acting methylphenidate (MPH-MR) is effective for treating oppositional-defiant and aggressive behaviors, particularly milder symptoms.
- The study confirmed the expected correlation between impulsivity and aggressiveness in children with ADHD.
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