Methylphenidate and Adolescents Hospitalized With Conduct Disorder: Dose Effects on Classroom Behavior, Academic Performance, and Impulsivity

Abstract

Abstract Examined the effects of methylphenidate on hospitalized conduct-disordered (CD) adolescents by using teacher ratings of behavior, a measure of classroom learning, and a test of impulsivity. Twenty-two male adolescents with CD, 12 to 18 years of age, participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design in which each one received three doses of methylphenidate (10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg) and a placebo in a randomly assigned, counterbalanced order. Seven of the subjects had a comorbid diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Significant overall medication effects were shown on teacher ratings of conduct and on number of arithmetic questions correctly completed and time spent. Within the limitations of this study, stimulant actions may be effective for some aspects of CD in the absence of ADHD, although only for specific measures.