PEDIATRICS Vol. 77 No. 2 February 1986, pp. 222-228
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Components of Attention, Methylphenidate Dosage, and Blood Levels in Children With Attention Deficit Disorder

Marc M. Sebrechts PhD1, Sally E. Shaywitz MD1, Bennett A. Shaywitz MD1, Peter Jatlow MD1, George M. Anderson PhD1, and Donald J. Cohen MD1

1 From the Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, and the Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, Laboratory Medicine, and the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut

In this study we analyzed some of the cognitive components that may constitute attention deficit disorder. It consisted of a double-blind, drug-placebo study of 12 children being treated with three doses of methylphenidate and placebo. Results of an attentional test battery, teacher and parent ratings, and blood levels of methylphenidate are reported. In general, performance was best with 0.6 mg/kg of methylphenidate (the highest dose tested) and worst with placebo. It is argued that no single test provides a complete assessment of attentional deficits and that methylphenidate can improve performance by affecting the allocation of cognitive resources to a task.

Key Words: attention deficit disorder • methylphenidate

Submitted on November 19, 1985
Accepted on April 4, 1985




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