Perceptions and attitudes of hyperactive children and their mothers regarding treatment with methylphenidate

Fifteen hyperactive children and their mothers were interviewed regarding their knowledge, perception, and attitudes toward treatment with methylphenidate 6 months after commencing a stimulant regime with the child. Measures of locus of control and self-esteem were also administered to the child. The results indicated that mothers and children agreed on the effects of medication and knowledge about the cause of hyperactivity. Both mothers and children had mixed feelings about medication. Most of the children felt that continuing with this treatment was important and seemed to be more concerned than their mothers over negative consequences if medication was stopped. Although it has been suggested that impaired self-esteem may be a consequence of children seeing improved behaviour as a result of medication rather than self-control, the results indicated an increase in both self-esteem and internal locus of control during the 6-month period of the study.