The Visual ERP Predicts Clinical Response to Methylphenidate in Hyperactive Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT Visual ERP measures have been used to discriminate retrospectively between those hyperactive children who responded well to treatment with methylphenidate (MP) and those who were nonresponders. This study was designed to validate these ERP measures in a prospective study. Visual ERP data were obtained in 20 hyperactive children following 0.33 mg/kg methylphenidate (Ritalin) or a matching placebo. Parent, teacher and physician ratings were then obtained on these same doses in a subsequent double‐blind clinical trial. At the conclusion of the trials, children were classified as MP responders or nonresponders based on the pediatrician's blind ratings. Using criteria established in a prior study, a conjoint measure of amplitude and variability statistically discriminated nonresponders from responders. The two clinical groups did not differ on placebo. It was suggested that these predictors are sensitive to nonspecific pharmacological factors.