QUICK STUDY : A weekly digest of new research on major health topics

attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Less-frequent dosing may help kids continue treatment.

· THE QUESTION Children who exhibit impulsive, inattentive and overly active behavior often must take several pills a day -- at precise intervals, for years on end -- to help control their conduct. However, the vast majority of these children soon stop taking the medication, negating their benefits. Might pills that need to be taken less frequently make discontinuation of treatment less likely?

· THIS STUDY analyzed records of 11,537 youths, ages 6 to 17, who were prescribed various brands and formulations of methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH), the most commonly used drug for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Those who were given a longer-lasting, extended-release pill continued taking it for an average of 140 days, compared with 103 days for those who took an immediate-release version that required more-frequent doses. Within the extended-release group, those using Concerta took it longer (147 days) than those on Ritalin LA (113 days) or Metadate CD (101 days).

· WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE FINDINGS? Youths with ADHD, which may affect as many as 5 percent of children in the United States, boys more often than girls.

· CAVEATS The findings were based on prescription refill data. As a result, the study could not definitively establish whether the participants actually took the medication or took the prescribed amount nor identify reasons for discontinuation. The study did not determine such characteristics as a participant's ability to follow directions or motivation to receive treatment -- factors that could affect the results. The study was funded by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, which makes Concerta; two of the four authors were McNeil employees.

· FIND THIS STUDY June issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine; abstract available online at http://www.archpediatrics.com .

· LEARN MORE ABOUT ADHD at http://www.help4adhd.org and http://www.nimh.nih.gov .

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