Original

The effect of discontinuation of methylphenidate at adolescence onset on adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

O. Papazian, I. Alfonso, V. García-Galarreta [REV NEUROL 2002;35:24-28] PMID: 12389188 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.3501.2002209 OPEN ACCESS
Volumen 35 | Number 01 | Nº of views of the article 5.210 | Nº of PDF downloads 693 | Article publication date 01/07/2002
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ABSTRACT Artículo en español English version
INTRODUCTION The positive effect of methylphenidate on children and adults with ADHD is well known. However, the effect of discontinuation of methylphenidate at adolescence onset on adult’s ADHD is unknown. Objective. To determine the effect of discontinuation of methylphenidate at adolescence onset on adult’s attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsivity and functional disabilities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS Adults and their parents, spouses and/or friends were requested to fill out the same criteria diagnosis form filled out by their parents and teachers before (7 years of age), during (7.5 years of age) and at the end of treatment (12 years of age). They took methylphenidate (0.1-0.5 mg/kg/day) from age 7 to 12 years because ADHD. Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and functional disability were statistically analyzed by the paired sample method before, during at the end of treatment and at age 27 years.

RESULTS Methylphenidate used for 5 years (7.5-12 years of age) improved significantly (p< 0.001) the average score for inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and functional impairment compared to pre (7 year of age) and post (27 years of age) treatment. The discontinuation of methylphenidate for 15 years (12-27 year of age) deteriorate significantly the average score for inattention and functional impairment when pre-adolescent and adult values were compared (p< 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS The results strongly suggest that methylphenidate must be used throughout the adulthood to avoid the degree of inattention and functional disability found in this study.
KeywordsAdult attention deficit hyperactivity disorderFunctional impairmentInattentionLong-term follow-upMethylphenidate CategoriesNeuropediatríaNeuropsiquiatría
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