Abstract:

Objective To explore the improvement of core symptoms and detailed function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after treatment with methylphenidate extended-release tablets, and analyse the relationship between core symptoms reduction and detailed function improvement. Methods One hundred and fifty-six children with confirmed ADHD were rated with Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, Version Ⅳ (SNAP-Ⅳ)Scale before treatment, then methylphenidate extended-release tablets were orally administered 18 mg once daily for 1 month, and children were rated again by means of SNAP-Ⅳ Scale and detailed function improvement questionnaire. The core symptoms reduction and detailed function improvement were observed, and their relationship was analysed. Results The primary mean scores of each factor in SNAP-Ⅳ Scale decreased significantly after treatment with methylphenidate extended-release tablets（P<0.001）. The reduction rate of factor IOWA/I/O was the most significant (>50%), followed by ADHD-H/Im and ADHD-In. The performance of school study, homework doing and social behavioral function was improved, and the detailed function was significantly improved. The reduction rate in ADHD-In factor was significantly correlated with improvement of school study and homework doing（P<0.01）. The reduction rate in ADHD-H/Im factor was significantly correlated with improvement of social behavioral function（P<0.05）. Conclusion Methylphenidate extended-release tablets play a role in both core symptoms reduction and detailed function improvement in children with ADHD, and core symptoms reduction is related to detailed function improvement to some degree. Methylphenidate extended-release tablets exert different effects on different detailed function.

Key words: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, methylphenidate, treatment, improvement