The effect of stimulant medication in childhood-onset pervasive developmental disorder--a case report

Pharmocological treatment with stimulant medication in childhood schizophrenia and pervasive developmental disorders often renders poor, but occasionally encouraging results. This report describes a case of childhood-onset pervasive developmental disorder in which long-term treatment with 40 mg methylphenidate per day brought about an initial improvement but subsequent deterioration of the child's behavior. Theoretical and practical issues concerning the use of stimulants in pervasive developmental disorder are discussed.