Neurocognitive effects of switching from methylphenidate-IR to OROS-methylphenidate in children with ADHD

Yeni Kim1, Min-Sup Shin, Jae-Won Kim

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

Human Psychopharmacology
|February 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Switching children with ADHD from methylphenidate immediate-release (MPH-IR) to OROS-MPH improved neurocognitive performance. This transition showed benefits in attention and reaction time, suggesting OROS-MPH as a viable treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
  • Methylphenidate (MPH) is a first-line treatment for ADHD, available in various formulations.
  • Immediate-release (MPH-IR) and osmotic release oral system (OROS-MPH) are common MPH formulations with different pharmacokinetic profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate neurocognitive changes in children with ADHD after switching from MPH-IR to OROS-MPH.
  • To assess the efficacy and tolerability of OROS-MPH following a switch from MPH-IR.

Main Methods:

  • An open-label, 28-day trial involving 102 children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • Neurocognitive testing was conducted at baseline and after 28 days of OROS-MPH treatment.
  • Participants switched from their existing MPH-IR medication to OROS-MPH.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements were observed in commission errors and reaction time on visual and auditory continuous performance tests (CPTs).
  • A positive correlation was found between improved parent/caregiver-rated IOWA Conners scores and reductions in commission errors and reaction time variability on visual CPT.
  • Linear regression indicated that changes in IOWA Conners scores predicted changes in visual CPT commission errors and reaction time variability.

Conclusions:

  • Switching from MPH-IR to OROS-MPH in children with ADHD is associated with improved neurocognitive function.
  • OROS-MPH demonstrates potential as an effective treatment option following a switch from MPH-IR.
  • Further large-scale, controlled trials are recommended to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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