Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2007):

An evaluation of stimulant medication on the reinforcing effects of play.

Full Abstract

Although a vast literature has indicated that stimulant medications are effective for reducing inappropriate behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the effects of stimulant medication on ancillary behaviors (e.g., play) have yet to be investigated with the same rigor. We used a reinforcer assessment procedure to evaluate the effects of medication on the play and social behavior of 5 preschool children who had been diagnosed with ADHD. Conditions included (a) social reinforcement (i.e., playing with friends), (b) alone play, and (c) quiet time (i.e., resting). Results indicated that 1 of the 5 participants selected fewer social reinforcers and more nonsocial reinforcers (alone play or quiet time) while on medication. The findings indicate that the reinforcer assessment procedure may be a viable way to evaluate medication effects on an ongoing basis and to inform treatment decisions.

Author information

Author/s: Larue, Robert H (RH); Northup, John (J); Baumeister, Alan A (AA); Hawkins, Mike F (MF); Seale, Lauren (L); Williams, Tara (T); Ridgway, Andrea (A);

Affiliation: Louisiana State University, USA. larue(-atsign-)rci.rutgers.edu

Grants: R03 MH61944 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Controlled Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Journal of applied behavior analysis (J Appl Behav Anal), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-; vol 41 (issue 1) : pp 143-7

Dates: Created 2008/05/12; Completed 2008/06/05; Revised 2008/11/20;

PMID: 18468289, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Amphetamines - adverse effects; therapeutic use Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; psychology Behavior Therapy - methods Central Nervous System Stimulants - adverse effects; therapeutic use Child Child, Preschool Choice Behavior - drug effects Combined Modality Therapy Dextroamphetamine - adverse effects; therapeutic use Dose-Response Relationship, Drug

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Female Humans Male Methylphenidate - adverse effects; therapeutic use Motivation Play and Playthings Reinforcement, Social Social Behavior Token Economy

Associated Chemicals: Adderall (0) ; Amphetamines (0) ; Central Nervous System Stimulants (0) ; Methylphenidate (113-45-1) ; Dextroamphetamine (51-64-9)

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