Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
10:02

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD

Published on: March 12, 2020

16.5K

Effectiveness of Stimulant Medications on Disruptive Behavior and Mood Problems in Young Children

Ian Parsley1, Zhuo Zhang2, Mark Hausmann3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience : the Official Scientific Journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology
|July 24, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Stimulant medications may not offer additional benefits for young children under 7 with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) when combined with intensive behavioral treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychiatry
  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD) in young children present significant challenges.
  • Limited research exists on stimulant medication efficacy for children under 7 with DBD.
  • Intensive outpatient behavioral programs are a common treatment modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effectiveness of stimulant medications in young children (ages 4-7) with DBD.
  • To compare outcomes for children receiving stimulant medication alongside behavioral treatment versus those solely in behavioral treatment.
  • To assess improvements in mood and behavior problems.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 97 participants diagnosed with DBD, aged 4-7.
  • Comparison of pre- and post-intervention Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores.
  • Analysis of outcomes for children receiving stimulant medication versus those not.

Main Results:

  • Significant overall improvement in disruptive behavior and mood problems was observed post-intervention.
  • No additional significant improvement was found for children receiving stimulant medications compared to peers.
  • Marginally significant findings suggested less improvement in Conduct Disorder scores for children on stimulants.

Conclusions:

  • Stimulant medications may not provide added benefit for young children (<7 years) with DBD in intensive behavioral programs.
  • Further research is warranted to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of stimulant medications in this specific population.
  • Findings suggest a need to re-evaluate current treatment guidelines for very young children with DBD.
Abstract

Keywords:
AggressionDisruptive behaviorEffectivenessStimulant medicationYoung children

More Related Videos

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

6.2K
Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol13:09

Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol

Published on: April 1, 2018

10.7K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
609
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
426
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview01:24

Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview

Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as...
466
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists

Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
428
Operant Conditioning Intervention01:24

Operant Conditioning Intervention

Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
349
Drug Therapy01:28

Drug Therapy

The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
186