[The effects of methylphenidate on cognitive-attentional processes. The use of continuous performance tests]

Numerous trials have demonstrated the efficacy of stimulants on age-inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity of patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Different externalizing (aggressive, conduct, oppositional) and internalizing (emotional) associated features can also get improved with stimulants. Effect of stimulant medication can be observed in different objective laboratory-neuropsychological test too, especially in Continuous Performance Tests (CPT). CPT have a good specificity and sensibility in diagnosis of ADHD although they are not diagnostic themselves. Errors of omissions and commissions are more frequent in ADHD patients than in controls. Responses to these tests improve under methylphenidate. General recommendations in ADHD treatment include systematic monitoring of medication effects from clinical point of view.

CPT offer different advantages in this monitoring: good validity, objective measures and easy administration. Psychological measures, particularly CPT, can support clinical diagnosis and pharmacological monitoring in patients with ADHD.