Recall, retention, and Ritalin

Studied the effects of Ritalin on 2-hr story recall, 2-day story retention, and 2-day changes on screening tests of achievement in 16 male and 4 female primary-grade underachieving children. Ss were of average intelligence and free of both demonstrable neurological impairment and major psychological problems. Comparisons of drug and no-drug responses showed a significant positive drug effect on 2-hr story recall but not on 2-day story retention. A significant positive drug effect was also observed on achievement test scores after only 2 days when practice effects were discounted. The short time precluded skill acquisition. These findings indicate that immediate drug-attributable gains in scholastic performance cannot be equated with ultimate gains in scholastic achievement. Immediate drug-induced increments in test performance could be mistaken for long-term drug effects on achievement if baseline measures are obtained before drug administration. Both baseline and ultimate functioning should be determined following drug administration. (16 ref)