The effect of methylphenidate on oppositional defiant disorder comorbid with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of methylphenidate on the diagnosis of oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD) comorbid with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: We conducted an open-label study in which 10 children and adolescents with a dual diagnosis of ODD and ADHD were assessed for their ODD symptoms and treated with methylphenidate. At least one month after ADHD symptoms were under control, ODD symptoms were reevaluated with the Parent form of the Children Interview for Psychiatric Syndromes (P-ChIPS). RESULTS: Nine of the 10 patients no longer fulfilled diagnostic criteria for ODD after they were treated with methylphenidate for ADHD. CONCLUSION: Methylphenidate seems to be an effective treatment for ODD, as well as for ADHD itself. The implications for the treatment of patients with ODD not comorbid with ADHD needs further investigation.

Prevalence of behavior problems and associated factors in preschool children from the city of Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil

“…These predictors cross into different domains, including delinquency, abuse of psychoactive substances, major depression, long-term unemployment, and difficulties in educating one's own children. 10,[27][28][29] The need to obtain more precise information about child mental health has been identified in countries such as Brazil, where children do not receive adequate treatment. 16,30 Within this context, the goal of the present study was to identify the prevalence of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in preschool children in the city of Salvador, state of Bahia, Brazil, and the association between these problems and maternal mental health.…”

Once-Daily Multilayer-Release Methylphenidate in a Double-Blind, Crossover Comparison to Immediate-Release Methylphenidate in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…This study examined a subpopulation of co-morbid ODD patients to determine if providing medication coverage for the early morning and late evening-periods in which children often refuse to follow through on rote tasks-would impact on the outcome of ODD, as well as ADHD, as shown recently (Newcorn et al 2005). Previous studies have demonstrated that the presence of ODD does not moderate response of ADHD to stimulants, although little empirical work has been done to demonstrate the extent to which ODD itself responds to stimulant medication and how this bears on functional gains for the child Serra-Pinheiro et al 2004;Newcorn et al 2005).…”

Transtorno desafiador de oposição: uma revisão de correlatos neurobiológicos e ambientais, comorbidades, tratamento e prognóstico

“…Kolko et al 29 demonstrated in children with ADHD and severe ODD or CD that methylphenidate diminished patient's oppositional symptoms. Serra-Pinheiro et al 30 found that methylphenidate was able to diminish 63% the fulfillment of ODD criteria in patients with ODD comorbid with ADHD. Clonidine 31 has also been found significantly effective for improvement in ODD symptoms in aggressive patients who had ADHD.…”