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Learning Not Impacted by Stimulant Medication in Pediatric ADHD
Although stimulant medication significantly affected seatwork productivity and classroom behavior in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it had no detectable impact on learning the material taught, according to a triple-blind, crossover study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
“Physicians and educators have held the belief that medication helps children with ADHD learn because they complete more seatwork and spend more time on-task when medicated,” said study senior author William E. Pelham Jr., PhD, director of the Center for Children and Families at Florida International University, Miami, Florida. “Unfortunately, we found that medication had no impact on learning of actual curriculum content.”
The study included 173 children, ages 7 through 12 years, diagnosed with ADHD. Children completed 2 consecutive phases of daily, 25-minute instruction in science, social studies, and vocabulary at their grade level. Each instructional phase was a standard unit lasting 3 weeks, and certified teachers taught groups of 10 to 14 children in a classroom setting.
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Researchers randomized each child to medication with daily osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate during either the first or second phases. During the alternate phase, the child received a placebo.
Contrary to expectation, children learned the same amount whether they were taking medication or placebo, according to the study. When taking medication, however, children completed 37% more math problems per minute and committed 53% fewer classroom rule violations an hour.
Researchers also found that medication slightly improved test scores when taken the day of a test, but not enough to affect grades in most cases.
“Our research has found time and time again that behavioral intervention is best for children with ADHD because they, their teachers, and their parents learn skills and strategies that will help them succeed at school, at home, and in relationships long-term,” said Dr Pelham. “Stimulants are most effective as a supplemental, second-line treatment option for those who need it.”
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