Cognitive Deficits in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Long-Term Follow-Up.

Abstract BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often negatively impacts behaviour, cognition, and learning. Stimulant medications are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD, with informant reports (e.g., parent questionnaires, surveys) frequently used to evaluate medication impact on behavioural and academic functioning in affected children. OBJECTIVES To determine parental perceptions of medication impact on behaviour and learning in a long-acting methylphenidate (LA-MPH) trial of their children with ADHD. DESIGN/METHODS A randomized controlled LA-MPH medication trial was conducted with children ages 8–12 with a diagnosis of ADHD. Trial began with one-week of baseline assessment, followed by a randomized three-week standard of care medication trial, and a one-week best dose assessment. Following the conclusion of the study (6 months to 2 years’ range post-treatment), families were asked to participate in a voluntary follow-up phone survey to evaluate parental perceptions on child’s behaviour and learning. RESULTS A total of 34/42 (81%) families participated (male to female ratio: 2.1/1). At the time of the follow-up survey, 53% (18/34) and 68% (23/34) of patients were having “difficulty” or “significant difficulty” with their behaviour and learning, respectively. Twenty-three patients (68%) were still on psycho-stimulant medications. Although parents of those 23 children said LA-MPH had in general “significant” or “very significant” impact on their child’s behaviour (87%) and learning (79%), these parents were still reporting challenges with behaviour (52%) and learning (61%) at follow-up. In addition, parents of children not on medication said that their current child’s behaviour and learning was still having the same or more challenging issues (82% and 73% respectively). CONCLUSION Overall, parents reported that medication significantly impacted their child’s behaviour and learning; however, long-term medication impact appears less effective. Thus, an ongoing relationship with families and paediatricians is recommended to better understand the impact of medication on behaviour and learning. Evaluating the effects of medication on behaviour and learning may ultimately lead to targeted intervention that help foster long-term treatment efficacy for children with ADHD.

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S.25.04 Long term outcome of boys and girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: results of two controlled follow up studies

European Neuropsychopharmacology ◽

10.1016/s0924-977x(05)80698-4 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

pp. S352

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Follow Up Studies

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The Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA)

10.1093/med/9780190625085.003.0007 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Michael H. Hochman

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Behavioral Treatment ◽

Medication Management ◽

Child And Adolescent Psychiatry ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Study Intervention ◽

Term Management

This chapter provides a summary of a landmark study in child and adolescent psychiatry. What is the most effective long-term management strategy in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: medication management, behavioral treatment, a combination of medication management and behavioral treatment, or routine community care? Starting with that question, it describes the basics of the study, including funding, study location, who was studied, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case.

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