Effects of methylphenidate on underachieving children

Compared the reactions of 28 6-9 yr old underachieving children to active drug and placebo treatments. Mean drug dosage was 21.07 mg/day. In a double-blind, counterbalanced design, each treatment condition was maintained for 12 wks. Using multiple medical and psychological measures (e.g., TAT, WISC, and Bender-Gestalt), as well as a full length, standardized achievement test (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) and behavior ratings, the typical suppressive behavioral effects were observed. No substantial drug effects on achievement were found, and pretreatment evaluations failed to support the common assumption of concomitance among hyperactivity, minimal brain dysfunction, and learning disorder. Reduced responsivity on active drug treatment was observed clinically. It is urged that effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) on specific functions be considered rather than global effects without specifications, and it is concluded that Ritalin should not be used to "treat" learning disorders. (32 ref)