Effects of stimulant medication on cognitive performance of children with ADHD

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2005 Jun;44(5):405-11. doi: 10.1177/000992280504400504.

Abstract

The effect that treatment with stimulant medication has on the intellectual performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was examined. Thirty-one children diagnosed with ADHD were given a WISC-III before any treatment was implemented. At least 1 year later, children were retested. At this time, 24 of the children were taking stimulant medications. Children receiving medications had significant increases in IQ scores, but no changes were found for those not taking medications. Changes in IQ scores were moderately related to parents' perceived efficacy of the medication and parent-reported compliance with medication but were not strongly related to changes in parent-reported ADHD symptoms.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Amphetamines / administration & dosage
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / administration & dosage
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Patient Compliance
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reference Values
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adderall
  • Amphetamines
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate