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Abstract:  The author reports on a randomized, single-blind trial of the effectiveness of methylphenidate vs. that of placebo in the treatment of pediatric patients with attention deficit disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients typically took one capsule twice a day for 14 days from one prescription, then switched to the other prescription for 14 days, with the pharmacist randomly assigning when the patient took methylphenidate or placebo. Patient caregivers completed a consent form and an evaluation form. Of the 429 trials involving 409 patients carried out at the author’s pharmacy, about one third of patients returned evaluation forms. Results showed that 22.4% (47/210) of subjects studied did not receive methylphenidate after the trial and that 93% of respondents (132/142) thought that the trial was worthwhile. The author concludes that providing a trial program provides the following benefits: a significant number of patients become steady customers; referrals are generated from friends and neighbors of subjects’ parents, in addition to school personnel and pediatricians; and physicians have a tool to evaluate drug effectiveness in patients.

Related Keywords: ADD, attention deficit, attention deficit disorder, children, Methylphenidate, pediatric, placebo

Related Categories: MENTAL HEALTH, PEDIATRICS

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