Assessment of Stimulant Response in ADHD Children Using a Refined Multimethod Clinical Protocol

Describes a rigorous multimethod protocol for evaluating individual children's response to stimulant medication in the clinical setting. This protocol represents a refinement of previously reported methods (Barkley, Fischer, Newby, & Breen, 1988) with a large sample of clinic-referred children (N = 161) with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children complete 1 week each on a low dose of Ritalin (.2 mg/kg bid–i.e., twice daily), a higher dosage of Ritalin (.4 mg/kg bid), and a lactose placebo. Medication sequence is randomized and double blind. Each week, multiple questionnaire ratings by parents and teachers are obtained, and 30 min of in-clinic testing is conducted. Our data indicate a statistically significant medication response on most measures, as well as a significant difference between the low and moderate doses on some measures.