An Examination of the "Dosage" Effects of Both Behavior Therapy and Methylphenidate on the Classroom Performance of Two ADHD Children

Abstract

Within the context of two case studies, the effects of two doses of methylphenidate (MPH) and behavioral interventions of varying potency are examined independently and jointly. Whereas studies of dose effects of MPH exist in the current literature, studies of different "doses" of behavior therapy-that is, interventions that vary in potency--are rare. This article uses a within-subjects design to demonstrate the importance of examining different doses of both types of treatments in determining the maximally effective treatment for a given child. The importance of considering individual differences is emphasized throughout this article as response to treatment among Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder children is quite variable. Case 1 illustrates the importance of evaluating medication response within the context of differing doses of behavior therapy; Case 2 demonstrates that difficult-to-manage cases are sometimes manageable using potent doses of both treatments simultaneously.