Time-Response Analysis of the Effect of Stimulant Medication on the Learning Ability of Children Referred for Hyperactivity

Abstract

A method for obtaining behavioral time-response information for a short-acting psychotropic drug (methylphenidate [Ritalin]) that is widely used to treat behaviorally hyperactive children is presented. Between 1 and 2 h after the administration of a single dose of methylphenidate, the drug exerts its maximum effect on performance in a learning task in the laboratory. This effect on cognitive performance dissipates within the same day, but the rapid and transient effect of methylphenidate makes it possible to classify patients in a single day into those who respond favorably and those who respond adversely to the drug in terms of its effect on cognitive behavior.