This study aims at investigating the direct effects of methylphenidate on school performance of primary school children. Although behavioral effects of this frequently prescribed drug are thoroughly studied (and confirmed), the effects of methylphenidate on school performance are less clear. Recent overviews indicate that effects are mainly quantitative and subject-specific. To gain more insight in this issue, the current double blind placebo controlled crossover study investigates not only the effects of methylphenidate on school performance but also it's effect on related variables such as short term memory, motivation and behavior. 60 children with ADHD are included and tested twice (with medication and with placebo) at their primary school.
Rationale: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common childhood developmental disorder. Besides the behavioural symptoms of ADHD, many children with ADHD experience problems with academic activities. More specifically, these children show problems with math, spelling and reading. The most common treatment for ADHD is medical treatment with methylphenidate (MPH). This treatment is effective in the reduction of ADHD symptoms. However, it is unclear whether treatment with MPH can also improve academic activity. If MPH improves academic activity, it is of great interest to understand which variables influence or mediate this effect. The results from this study can give more insight in the working mechanisms and effectiveness of MPH in reducing the academic problems commonly observed in children with ADHD. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of MPH on academic activity and to estimate the role of three putative mediators in this relation. Study design and population: This study is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design with a patient group and a control group. Main study parameters/endpoints: The main study parameters are changes in academic activity (ability, effort and engagement). In addition, changes in putative mediators are assessed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
61
Drug: Methylphenidate
Drug: Placebo
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mathematical performance
A standardized task for mathematics is used. Productivity (% completed) and accuracy (%correct) will be calculated for analysis.
Time frame: 3.5 years
Reading performance
A standardized task for technical reading ability is used. Productivity (% completed) and accuracy (%correct) will be calculated for analysis.
Time frame: 3.5 years
Spelling performance
A standardized task for spelling is used. Productivity (% completed) and accuracy (%correct) will be calculated for analysis.
Time frame: 3.5 years
Cognitive performance
Cognitive performance will be measured with standardized tasks for interference control, verbal and spatial working memory. Using principal component analysis a combined (composite) score for cognitive performance will be calculated based on correlations between the measures.
Time frame: 3.5 years
Academic motivation
Academic motivation will be measured with a questionnaire measuring intrinsic motivation for schoolwork. In addition, an academic competence questionnaire will be completed by children, parents and teachers separately. A composite score will be calculated of these measures.
Time frame: 3.5 years
Classroom behavior
Classroom behavior will be measured with observation scales (by an independent observer) and behavioral rating scales (completed by teachers). Using principal component analysis, these scales will be combined (composite scores), depending on correlations between the measures.
Time frame: 3.5 years
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