Electrodermal Activity in Hyperactive Boys Who Are Methylphenidate Responders

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hyperactive boys being treated with methylphenidate medication were randomly divided into two groups. In one of the hyperactive groups (n = 18) methylphenidate was withheld for approximately 72 hrs before testing. Boys in the other hyperactive group (n = 20) continued to take their usual daily doses of methylphenidate. Normal boys formed a third group (n = 20). The following electrodermal measures were taken: basal resistance, frequency of non‐specific responses, specific response amplitude to an auditory signal, and number of trials to habituation. Normal and off‐drug hyperactive groups differed significantly on specific response amplitude, and trials to habituation. In addition, frequency of non‐specific responses approached significance. These differences indicated lower reactivity in the off‐drug hyperactive group. Off‐drug and on‐drug hyperactive groups differed significantly on frequency of non‐specific responses. In addition, trials to habituation approached significance. These differences again indicated lower reactivity in the off‐drug hyperactive group.