Effects of methylphenidate in normal adults with reference to drug action in hyperactivity

Methylphenidate was administered to each of 12 adult volunteers in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study for purposes of comparison with previous studies in hyperactive children. Statistically significant changes occurred only on a minority of measures, but the results were generally in the direction of facilitated performance, reduced physical activity and increased emotional responsivity. As these results are similar to those in hyperactive and normal children, this appears to support the contention that stimulant drug effects in hyperactive children are not paradoxical or atypical.