Therapeutic response in children with ADHD: role of observers and settings

World J Pediatr. 2020 Jun;16(3):314-321. doi: 10.1007/s12519-019-00332-5. Epub 2020 Jan 21.

Abstract

Background: This study aims at characterizing the extent of correlation of treatment response (TR) obtained in various observation settings (home, school, clinic) by different observers (parents, teachers, clinicians).

Methods: Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) underwent a 2-week double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial with methylphenidate and placebo, and various measures were obtained during the 2 weeks. Interrelationships of TR were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficients.

Results: The study included 526 children (420 male, 106 female) with ADHD. TR between different observers shows a variable correlation between parents and teachers. No correlation is seen between parents/teacher evaluation of TR and laboratory-based measures (Continuous Performance Task; Restricted Academic Situation Scale).

Conclusion: The results firmly support the need to synthesize information from many sources in evaluating TR in ADHD.

Keywords: ADHD; Methylphenidate; Parents; Teachers; Treatment response.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Faculty
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Observation
  • Parents
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate