The effect of an afternoon dose of methylphenidate on the on-task, accuracy and productivity of the homework completed by children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The effects of methylphenidate on the accuracy, on-task, and productivity during homework of three boys and one girl (aged 5 1/2--8-years) diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder were investigated using a triple-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject design. The children received their usual morning and noontime doses of methylphenidate as prescribed by their physicians. Baseline measures of on-task, accuracy, and productivity while completing math homework were obtained from videotaped observations and permanent products (homework sheets) in their homes after school. The participants were then randomly-assigned to either an afternoon-placebo or afternoon methylphenidate condition. The children were videotaped completing math homework 1.5--2 hours after ingestion of an opaque capsule containing lactose powder only (placebo) or lactose powder and a third dose of methylphenidate.;Two children showed some improvement in on-task and accuracy during homework completion after receiving an afternoon dose of methylpheni date. The lower the on-task and accuracy during homework completion, the greater the effect of the afternoon dose of methylphenidate. There was no relationship between the number of problems completed (productivity) and the conditions of the study. The findings of the study were limited by small numbers and ceiling effects. These findings suggest that methylphenidate may be useful for some children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to improve their on-task and accuracy during homework.