EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN) ON MOTOR SKILLS AND BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING PROBLEMS

This study investigates the effects of a 6-week trial of methylphenidate on the performance and behavior of children who have learning difficulties at school. Forty children were included in the double blind design with placebo control. The children were assessed medically and psychologically and rated by their parents and teachers prior to taking the drug or placebo and just before terminating the 6-week period. The principal findings were significant differences in heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, weight loss, motor coordination and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) performance abilities. In addition both the parents and teachers rated the methylphenidate group as less distractible and more attentive. Other physical measures and electroencephalographic (EEG) results were not significant. The psychological test data are interpreted to indicate that methylphenidate is associated with improved attention span and this is the basis for the better motor coordination and performance skills. Attempts to relate the magnitude of drug response to medical history, psychological test scores or patterns of behavior were unsuccessful. © Williams & Wilkins 1969. All Rights Reserved.