Methylphenidate-Related Improvements in Math Performance Cannot Be Explained by Better Cognitive Functioning or Higher Academic Motivation: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Autor: Kortekaas-Rijlaarsdam, Anne Fleur; Luman, Marjolein; Sonuga-Barke, Edmund; Bet, Pierre; Oosterlaan, Jaap
Publication year: 2020
Journal of attention disorders
issn:1557-1246 1087-0547
doi: 10.1177/1087054717713640
Abstract:
Objective: This study investigated whether improvements in working memory, reaction time, lapses of attention, interference control, academic motivation, and perceived competence mediated effects of methylphenidate on math performance. Method: Sixty-three children (ADHD diagnosis; methylphenidate treatment; age 8-13; IQ > 70) were randomly allocated to a 7-day methylphenidate or placebo treatment in this double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study and compared with 67 controls. Data were collected at schools and analyzed using mixed-model analysis. Methylphenidate was hypothesized to improve all measures; all measures were evaluated as potential mediators of methylphenidate-related math improvements. Results: Controls mostly outperformed the ADHD group. Methylphenidate did not affect measures of cognitive functioning (p = .082-.641) or academic motivation (p = .199-.865). Methylphenidate improved parent ratings of their child’s self-perceived competence (p < .01), which mediated methylphenidate efficacy on math productivity. Conclusion: These results question the necessity of improvements in specific cognitive and motivational deficits associated with ADHD for medication-related academic improvement. They also stimulate further study of perceived competence as a mediator. Language: eng Rights: Pmid: 28608744 Tags: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; *Central Nervous System Stimulants/therapeutic use; ADD/ADHD; academic performance; Cognition; *Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/drug therapy; Double-Blind Method; *Methylphenidate/pharmacology/therapeutic use; cognition; competence; Cross-Over Studies; methylphenidate Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28608744/
