A controlled trial of methylphenidate in black adolescents. Attentional, behavioral, and physiological effects

The short-term effects of methylphenidate were examined on behavioral, laboratory, academic, and physiological measures in 11 black male adolescents diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder (ADD). In a double-blind, crossover design with randomized order, the subjects received placebo and each of three methylphenidate doses (0.15 mg/kg, 0.30 mg/kg, and 0.50 mg/kg) for a period of 2 weeks per medication dosage. Significant drug effects were found for the majority of measures. In general, the higher doses resulted in the most beneficial response in behavioral, academic, and laboratory measures of attention and impulsivity. However, a significant linear increase occurred in diastolic blood pressure. The results suggest that methylphenidate is an effective adjunct to the treatment of ADD in adolescents.