An evaluation of the effectiveness of monitoring systems used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with methylphenidate (Ritalin) in a child psychiatry clinic
Date
2014-04-07
Authors
Vogel, Wendy Margaret
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Abstract
Monitoring the effectiveness of methylphenidate in the treatmert'' of
attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children in Johannesburg is
based on the Conners’ Teacher's Rating Scale (CTRS) and school reports. This
is the first study to examine the monitoring of the use of methybheniaate in the
“mainstream” classroom in post-apartheid South Africa. Educations? changes
include racial integration, inclusion of children with learning disabilities, children
learning in a second language, and very high pupil: teacher ratios. This study
evaluates the CTRS filled in by teachers as a measuring tool for the treatment of
ADHD with methylphenidate. It also examines the use of psychological subtests
for the monitoring of treatment response.
Method: 26 children on treatment for ADHD with methylphenidate have been
examined in a double blind placebo-controlled crossover trial. Children are
monitored with the CTRS and psychological tests.
Results: A strong positive correlation with methylphenidate treatment was found
on the following CTRS subscales: hyperactivity (p=0,0001), conduct problem
(p=Q,0012), and daydream-inattentive (p=0,0004).
The psychological subtests are not useful indicators of treatment response.
Conclusion: CTRS can be used to monitor treatment of ADHD in the current
school setting.