Efficacy and tolerability of OROS methylphenidate in Korean children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Published in: Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry 2007-01, Vol.31 (1), p.210-216
• Main Authors: Lee, Soyoung Irene, Hong, Sungdo David, Kim, Sang-Yeup, Kim, Eui-Jung, Kim, Ji-Hae, Kim, Ji-Hoon, Park, Mi-Kyoung, Park, Sehyeon, Park, Joon-Ho, Oh, Eun-Young, Lim, Tae-Sik, Cheong, Seongshim, Cho, In Hee, Choi, Jee Wook
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Arousal - drug effects; Attention - drug effects; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology; Attention deficit disorders. Hyperactivity; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Biological and medical sciences; Central Nervous System Stimulants - administration & dosage; Central Nervous System Stimulants - adverse effects; Central Nervous System Stimulants - therapeutic use; Child; Child clinical studies; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Executive function; Female; Humans; Impulsive Behavior - drug therapy; Interpersonal Relations; Korea; Male; Medical sciences; Methylphenidate; Methylphenidate - administration & dosage; Methylphenidate - adverse effects; Methylphenidate - therapeutic use; Neuropharmacology; Neuropsychological Tests; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Pharmacotherapy; Psychoanaleptics: cns stimulant, antidepressant agent, nootropic agent, mood stabilizer..., (alzheimer disease); Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychomotor Performance - drug effects; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychopharmacology; Safety; Verbal Behavior - drug effects
• ISSN: 0278-5846; 1878-4216
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2006.09.002

This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability in the initiation treatment of Concerta® (OROS methylphenidate HCl) in Korean children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). One hundred and nineteen children with AD/HD were entered into a multi-center, open-label, four-week trial. The dosage of Concerta® was adjusted by the investigators based on symptoms and safety assessments performed on a weekly basis. The safety of the drug and its efficacy for attention, behavior, and cognitive function were assessed. The primary outcome measures for efficacy were the Parent and Teacher IOWA Conners Rating Scales, Peer Interaction Items, and the Clinical Global Impression Scale. Cognitive tests (Continuous Performance Test, Matched Familiar Figure Test, Verbal Fluency Test, and Trail Making Test) were included as the secondary outcome measures. In most participants, OROS methylphenidate was well tolerated. There were significant improvements in attention, behavior, and function as measured by parents, teachers, and investigators. The benefit of the initiation of OROS methylphenidate in children with AD/HD was shown on the cognitive tests as well. These data provide support for the benefit of the once-daily methylphenidate preparation, Concerta® in the treatment of Korean children with AD/HD. Children were initiated safely in this short-term trial, and its effectiveness was evident in the behavioral, as well as neuropsychological measurements.