Changes in Family Function and Relationships in Children Who Respond to Methylphenidate

Effects of methylphenidate on family function and relationships were assessed in boys 6 to 10 years of age presenting with overactivity and/or defiance. Functioning and relationships improved among the families of the 18 children whose behavior improved significantly, but not among families of the 17 nonresponders. Among responders, there was increased maternal warmth, decreased maternal criticism, greater frequency of maternal contact, and fewer negative encounters with siblings. No significant changes occurred in the frequency of paternal contact, efficiency of parental coping, or interparental consistency. Families of children who respond to methylphenidate are likely to be more amenable to other types of intervention than before treatment.