ACTION OF METHYL-PHENIDYLACETATE (RITALIN) AND RESERPINE IN BEHAVIOR DISORDERS IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

1. Results of the present study show no significant improvement in verbal intelligence re-test quotient following 6 months of treatment with Ritalin or reserpine, during a time when behavioral improvement was noted in almost two-thirds of two matched groups of children with severe behavioral disorders. 2. Results of motor test favor patients treated with Ritalin, reduction in reaction time being much larger for all sub-test items on re-test than for the reserpine group where no essential change is recorded. In-asmuch as reaction time is one of the most objective and accurate measures of stimulation, increased speed of reaction under Ritalin is a significant finding. 3. Group findings agree with those of other investigators in showing that Ritalin is more effective than reserpine in alleviating depression, increasing alertness, lessening listlessness, etc., the most favorable results being noted where these pre-treatment symptoms were present. Overlapping between the action of both drugs was noted in all behavioral categories following therapy, making interpretation difficult in Individual cases as to the drug of choice. 4. Toxic signs were infrequent and mild, treatment with Ritalin causing occasional insomnia, hyperactivity, loss of appetite, etc., on large doses, especially in children under 6 years of age, but no serious untoward side reactions were seen in any of the patients treated. Drowsiness constituted the major toxic sign in reserpine therapy.