Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Methylphenidate-induced improvements of various measures of attention in adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

  • Published:
Journal of Neural Transmission Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary.

The present study examined the effect of the stimulant medication methylphenidate (MPH) on attentional functioning of adults with ADHD. Sixteen adults with a diagnosed ADHD without comorbidity were assessed twice, at baseline off MPH and following MPH treatment. The assessment battery consisted of reaction time tasks of low complexity, including measures of alertness – subdivided into tonic and phasic alertness, vigilance, divided attention, flexibility and such aspects of selective attention as including focused attention, inhibition and integration of sensory information. In addition, 16 healthy participants who were matched to adults with ADHD according to sex, age, education level and intellectual functions were also assessed twice using the same test battery. The results of the present study suggest that adults with ADHD off stimulant medication are seriously impaired in various components of attention including vigilance, divided attention, selective attention and flexibility. These impairments of attention were observed primarily in regard to reaction time and its variability. Treatment of adults with ADHD using individually tailored doses of MPH has a positive effect on measures of alertness, vigilance, selective attention, divided attention and flexibility. However, even on MPH adults with ADHD displayed considerable deficits in vigilance and integration of sensory information. The present findings indicate that adults with ADHD are not differentially impaired in attentional processes but may suffer from a more global deficit of attention. Although MPH treatment has been found to be effective in the treatment of the attention deficit of adults with ADHD, additional treatment appears to be necessary.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • E Arcia CT Gualtieri (1994) ArticleTitleNeurobehavioural performance of adults with closed-head injury, adults with attention deficit, and controls Brain Injury 8 395–404 Occurrence Handle7951202 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2M%2FjvVOjtw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RA Barkley (1977) ArticleTitleThe effects of methylphenidate on various types of activity level and attention in hyperkinetic children J Abnorm Child Psychol 5 351–369 Occurrence Handle604377 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaE1c7htVSjsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00915084

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RA Barkley (1998) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a handbook for diagnosis and treatment EditionNumber2 Guilford Press New York

    Google Scholar 

  • RA Barkley KR Murphy (1998) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder EditionNumber2 SeriesTitleA clinical workbook Guilford Press New York

    Google Scholar 

  • RA Barkley KR Murphy D Kwasnik (1996) ArticleTitlePsychological adjustment and adaptive impairments in young adults with ADHD J Attent Disord 1 41–54

    Google Scholar 

  • S Bezeau R Graves (2001) ArticleTitleStatistical power and effect sizes of clinical neuropsychology research J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 23 399–406 Occurrence Handle11419453 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MzlvVCktQ%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LJ Chapman JP Chapman (1987) ArticleTitleThe measurement of handedness Brain Cogn 6 175–183 Occurrence Handle3593557 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL2s3kt1SmtA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/0278-2626(87)90118-7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J Cohen (1988) Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences EditionNumber2 Erlbaum Hillsdale

    Google Scholar 

  • NJ Cohen VI Douglas G Morgenstern (1971) ArticleTitleThe effect of methylphenidate on attentive behavior and autonomic activity in hyperactive children Psychopharmacologia 22 282–294 Occurrence Handle4943560 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaE38%2FnsFaitQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00401790

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RA Cohen (1993) The neuropsychology of attention Plenum Press New York

    Google Scholar 

  • B Corbett DE Stanczak (1999) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological performance of adults evidencing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Arch Clin Neuropsychol 14 373–387 Occurrence Handle14590591 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3srht1Gkug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0887-6177(98)00037-7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WM Dinn NC Robbins CL Harris (2001) ArticleTitleAdult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: psychological test profiles in a clinical population Brain Cogn 46 114–121 Occurrence Handle11527308 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MvosVeqsA%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • KK Downey FW Stelson OF Pomerleau B Giordani (1997) ArticleTitleAdult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: psychological test profiles in a clinical population J Nerv Ment Dis 185 32–38 Occurrence Handle9040531 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2s7pt12guw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • JN Epstein CK Conners G Sitarenios D Erhardt (1998) ArticleTitleContinuous performance test results of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Clin Neuropsychol 23 362–371

    Google Scholar 

  • JN Epstein DE Johnson IM Varia CK Conners (2001) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological assessment of response inhibition in adults with ADHD J Clin Exp Neuro psychol 23 362–371 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mzjs1Sjug%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SV Faraone J Biederman T Spencer T Wilens LJ Seidman E Mick AE Doyle (2000) ArticleTitleAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: an overview Biol Psychiatry 48 9–20 Occurrence Handle10913503 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M%2FhvV2mtA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0006-3223(00)00889-1

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DA Gansler R Fucetola M Krengel S Stetson R Zimering C Makary (1998) ArticleTitleAre there cognitive subtypes in adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder? J Nerv Ment Dis 186 776–781 Occurrence Handle9865816 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M%2FotFCitg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1097/00005053-199812000-00006

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LM Greenberg ID Waldman (1993) ArticleTitleDevelopmental normative data on the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) J Child Adolesc Psychiatry 34 1019–1030 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2c%2FhtlWktQ%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CT Gualtieri MG Ondrusek C Finley (1985) ArticleTitleAttention deficit disorders in adults Clin Neuropharmacol 8 343–356 Occurrence Handle4075304 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL28%2FnvFaitg%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • E Heiligenstein LM Conyers AR Berns MA Miller MA Smith (1998) ArticleTitlePreliminary normative data on DSM-IV attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in college students J Am College Health 46 185–188 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1c7otVWisw%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • JA Holdnack PJ Moberg SE Arnold RC Gur RE Gur (1995) ArticleTitleSpeed of processing and verbal learning deficits in adults diagnosed with attention deficit disorder Neuropsychiatr Neuropsychol Behav Neurol 8 282–292

    Google Scholar 

  • DE Hollingsworth SP McAuliffe BJ Knowlton (2001) ArticleTitleTemporal allocation of visual attention in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder J Cogn Neurosci 13 298–305 Occurrence Handle11371308 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M3nt1CgsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1162/08989290151137359

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J Hopkins T Perlman L Hechtman G Weiss (1979) ArticleTitleCognitive style in adults originally diagnosed as hyperactives J Child Psychol Psychiatry 20 209–216 Occurrence Handle468949 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaE1M3jvFKntw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • AM Horton (1996) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological findings in adult attention deficit disorder: a pilot study Appl Neuropsychol 3 181–185 Occurrence Handle16318511 Occurrence Handle10.1207/s15324826an0303&4_12

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • M Jenkins R Cohen P Malloy S Salloway EG Johnson J Penn A Marcotte (1998) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological measures which discriminate among adults with residual symptoms of attention deficit disorder and other attentional complaints Clin Neuropsychol 12 74–83

    Google Scholar 

  • DE Johnson JN Epstein LR Waid PK Latham KE Voronin RF Anton (2001) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological performance deficits in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder Arch Clin Neuro psychol 16 587–604 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3srhtlChsQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0887-6177(00)00070-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LJ Katz DS Wood G Goldstein RC Auchenbach M Geckle (1998) ArticleTitleThe utility of neuropsychological tests in evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) versus depression in adults Assessment 5 45–52 Occurrence Handle9458341 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1c7is1aksA%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • RW Keith P Engineer (1991) ArticleTitleEffects of methyl phenidate on the auditory processing abilities of children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder J Learn Disabil 24 630–636 Occurrence Handle1783870 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK387kvVaksQ%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • S Kempton A Vance P Maruff E Luk J Costin C Pantelis (1999) ArticleTitleExecutive function and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: stimulant medication and better executive function performance in children Psychol Med 29 527–538 Occurrence Handle10405075 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1MzjtF2lsw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1017/S0033291799008338

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • KA Kerns K Eso J Thomson (1999) ArticleTitleInvestigation of a direct intervention for improving attention in young children with ADHD Dev Neuropsychol 16 273–295 Occurrence Handle10.1207/S15326942DN1602_9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M Kinsbourne GB DeQuiros D Tocci Ruffo (2001) Adult ADHD. Controlled medication assessment J Wasserstein LE Wolf FF Lefever (Eds) Adult attention deficit disorder SeriesTitleBrain mechanisms and life outcomes The New York Academy of Science New York 287–296

    Google Scholar 

  • SH Klee BD Garfinkel H Beauchesne (1986) ArticleTitleAttention deficits in adults Psychiatr Ann 16 52–56

    Google Scholar 

  • SS Kupietz (1990) ArticleTitleSustained attention in normal and in reading-disabled youngsters with and without ADDH J Abnorm Child Psychol 18 357–372 Occurrence Handle2246429 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK3M%2FmtVyhuw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00917640

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • S Lehrl G Triebig B Fischer (1995) ArticleTitleMultiple choice vocabulary test MWT as a valid and short test to estimate premorbid intelligence Acta Neurol Scand 91 335–345 Occurrence Handle7639062 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2Mzms1arsw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • KA Lockwood AC Marcotte C Stern (2001) ArticleTitleDifferentiation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subtypes: application of a neuropsychological model of attention J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 23 317–330 Occurrence Handle11404810 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mzjs1Sjtw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • BJ Losier PJ McGrath RM Klein (1996) ArticleTitleError patterns on the continuous performance test in non-medicated and medicated samples of children with and without ADHD: a meta-analytic review J Child Psychol Psychiatry 37 971–987 Occurrence Handle9119944 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2s7itVChsA%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DW Lovejoy JD Ball M Keats ML Stutts EH Spain L Janda J Janusz (1999) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological performance of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): diagnostic classification estimates for measures of frontal lobe/executive functioning J Int Neuropsychol Soc 5 222–233 Occurrence Handle10217922 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M3jsVGnsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1017/S1355617799533055

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • S Mannuzza RG Klein A Bessler P Malloy M LaPadula (1993) ArticleTitleAdult outcome of hyperactive boys. Educational achievement, occupational rank, and psychiatric status Arch Gen Psychiatry 50 565–576 Occurrence Handle8317950 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK3szgsV2qtg%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • I Manor RP Ebstein A Weizman S Tyano (2003) ArticleTitleEfficacy of single low-dose metylphenidate administration in adult ADHD patients according to psychometric assessment Dynamic Psychiatry 36 75–88

    Google Scholar 

  • JA Matochik LL Liebenauer AC King HV Szymanski RM Cohen AJ Zametkin (1994) ArticleTitleCerebral glucose metabolism in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after chronic stimulant treatment Am J Psychiatry 151 658–664 Occurrence Handle8166305 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2c3hvFKnuw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • JA Mattes L Boswell H Oliver (1984) ArticleTitleMethylphe nidate effects on symptoms of attention deficit disorder in adults Arch Gen Psychiatry 41 1059–1063 Occurrence Handle6388523 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL2M%2FksFyltQ%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MM Mesulam (1981) ArticleTitleA cortical network for directing attention and unilateral neglect Ann Neurol 10 309–325 Occurrence Handle7032417 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL38%2FovF2hsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1002/ana.410100402

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • R Millstein T Wilens T Spencer J Biederman (1998) ArticleTitlePresenting ADHD symptoms and subtypes in clinically referred adults with ADHD J Attent Disord 2 159–165

    Google Scholar 

  • LM Musten P Firestone S Pisterman S Bennett J Mercer (1997) ArticleTitleEffects of metylphenidate on preschool children with ADHD: cognitive and behavioral functions J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 36 1407–1415 Occurrence Handle9334554 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2svnsV2gsQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1097/00004583-199710000-00025

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • KH Nuechterlein (1983) ArticleTitleSignal detection in vigilance tasks and behavioral attributes among offspring of schizophrenic mothers and among hyperactive children J Abnorm Child Psychol 92 4–28 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL3s7mtF2ktA%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LJ Rapport A VanVoorhis A Tzelepis SR Friedman (2001) ArticleTitleExecutive functioning in adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Clin Neuropsychol 15 479–491 Occurrence Handle11935449 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD383gtF2isg%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MK Reid JG Borkowski (1984) ArticleTitleEffects of methyl phenidate (Ritalin) on information processing in hyperactive children J Abnorm Child Psychol 12 169–185 Occurrence Handle6715692 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL2c7os1CrtQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00913468

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CA Riccio JJ Waldrop CR Reynolds P Lowe (2001) ArticleTitleEffects of stimulants on the continuous performance test (CPT): implications for CPT use and interpretation J Neuropsychiatr Clin Neurosci 13 326–335 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MvmvFKmsw%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • HJ Riordan LA Flashman AJ Saykin SA Frutiger KE Carroll L Huey (1999) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological correlates of methylphenidate treatment in adult ADHD with and without depression Arch Clin Neuropsychol 14 217–233 Occurrence Handle14590604 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3srht1GltQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0887-6177(98)00015-8

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • HE Rosvold AF Mirsky J Sarason ED Bransome LH Beck (1956) ArticleTitleA continuous performance test of brain damage J Consult Psychol 20 343–350 Occurrence Handle13367264 Occurrence Handle10.1037/h0043220

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • BP Roy L Scheele J Brinkley N Ward C Wiatrak J Russo B Townes C Varley (1997) ArticleTitleAdult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: assessment guidelines based on clinical presentation to a specialty clinic Compr Psychiatry 38 133–140 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0010-440X(97)90065-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • TA Sandson KJ Bachna MD Morin (2000) ArticleTitleRight hemisphere dysfunction in ADHD: visual hemispatial inattention and clinical subtype J Learn Disabil 33 83–90 Occurrence Handle15505958 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD2crjsFSgsw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • R Schachar G Logan R Wachsmuth D Chajezyk (1988) ArticleTitleAttaining and maintaining preparation: a comparison of attention in hyperactive, normal and disturbed control group J Abnorm Child Psychol 16 361–378 Occurrence Handle3221028 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL1M7isVWntw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00914169

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • JB Schweitzer TL Faber ST Grafton LE Tube JM Hoffman CD Kilts (2000) ArticleTitleAlterations in the functional anatomy of working memory in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Am J Psychiatry 157 278–280 Occurrence Handle10671402 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3c7jslOjtw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1176/appi.ajp.157.2.278

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LJ Seidman J Biederman W Weber M Hatch SV Faraone (1998) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological functions in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Biol Psychiatry 44 260–268 Occurrence Handle9715357 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1czotFWntA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0006-3223(97)00392-2

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • M Semrud-Clikeman KH Nielsen A Clinton L Sylvester N Parle RT Connor (1999) ArticleTitleAn intervention approach for children with teacher- and parent-identified attentional difficulties J Learn Disabil 32 581–590 Occurrence Handle15510444 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD2crjvFertw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SM Silverstein PG Como DR Palumbo LL West LM Osborn (1995) ArticleTitleMultiple sources of attentional dysfunction in adults with Tourette’s syndrome: comparison with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder Neuropsychology 9 157–164 Occurrence Handle10.1037/0894-4105.9.2.157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MM Sohlberg CA Mateer (2001) Improving attention and managing attentional problems. Adapting rehabilitation techniques to adults with ADD J Wasserstein LE Wolf FF Lefever (Eds) Adult attention deficit disorder SeriesTitleBrain mechanisms and life outcome The New York Academy of Sciences New York 359–375

    Google Scholar 

  • T Spencer T Wilens J Biederman SV Faraone JS Ablon K Lapey (1995) ArticleTitleA double-blind, crossover comparison of methylphenidate and placebo in adults with childhood-onset attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Arch Gen Psychiatry 52 434–443 Occurrence Handle7771913 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK2M3ovFymuw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DH Sykes VI Douglas G Morgenstern (1972) ArticleTitleThe effect of methylphenidate (Ritalin) on sustained attention in hyperactive children Psychopharmacologia 25 262–274 Occurrence Handle4557941 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaE383jsFGgsg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00422506

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • R Tannock RJ Schachar RP Carr D Chajczyk GD Logan (1989) ArticleTitleEffects of methylphenidate on inhibitory control in hyperactive children J Abnorm Child Psychol 17 473–491 Occurrence Handle2681316 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK3c%2Fjsl2ksQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00916508

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CJ Taylor DC Miller (1997) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological assessment of attention in ADHD adults J Attent Disord 2 77–88

    Google Scholar 

  • BL Trommer JA Hoeppner SG Zecker (1991) ArticleTitleThe go-no go test in attention deficit disorder is sensitive to methylphenidate J Child Neurol 6 S128–S131 Occurrence Handle2002211 Occurrence Handle10.1177/088307389100600206

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • O Tucha KW Lange (2004) ArticleTitleHandwriting in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Motor Control 8 461–471 Occurrence Handle15585901

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • CJ Vaidya G Austin G Kirkorian HW Ridlehuber JE Desmond GH Glover JD Gabrieli (1998) ArticleTitleSelective effects of methylphenidate in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a functional magnetic resonance study Proc Natl Acad Sci 95 14494–14499 Occurrence Handle9826728 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXns1GlsbY%3D Occurrence Handle10.1073/pnas.95.24.14494

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J Van der Meere B Gunning N Stemerdink (1999) ArticleTitleThe effect of methylphenidate and clonidine on response inhibition and state regulation in children with ADHD J Child Psychol Psychiatry 40 291–298 Occurrence Handle10188712 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M3gt1Gqtw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1017/S0021963098003424

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J Van der Meere J Sergeant (1988) ArticleTitleControlled processing and vigilance in hyperactivity: time will tell J Abnorm Child Psychol 16 641–655 Occurrence Handle3216073 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL1M7gvFyjsw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00913475

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • AH Van Zomeren WH Brouwer (1994) Clinical neuropsychology of attention Oxford University Press New York

    Google Scholar 

  • AJ Walker EA Shores JN Trollor T Lee PS Sachdev (2000) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological functioning of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 22 115–124 Occurrence Handle10649550 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3c7hvFeqsg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1076/1380-3395(200002)22:1;1-8;FT115

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P Wender (1997) ArticleTitleAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: a wide view of a widespread condition Psychiatr Ann 27 556–562

    Google Scholar 

  • PH Wender FW Reimherr D Wood M Ward (1985) ArticleTitleA controlled study of methylphenidate in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, residual type, in adults Am J Psychiatry 142 547–552 Occurrence Handle3885760 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaL2M7nt1artw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • LL Weyandt JA Rice I Linterman L Mitzlaff E Emert (1998) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological performance of a sample of adults with ADHD, developmental reading disorder, and controls Dev Neuropsychol 14 643–656 Occurrence Handle10.1080/87565649809540734

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • TE Wilens TJ Spencer J Biederman (2001) Pharmacotherapy of adult ADHD J Wasserstein LE Wolf FF Lefever (Eds) Adult attention deficit disorder SeriesTitleBrain mechanisms and life outcomes The New York Academy of Science New York 592–606

    Google Scholar 

  • DR Wood FW Reimherr PH Wender GE Johnson (1976) ArticleTitleDiagnosis and treatment of minimal brain dysfunction in adults: a preliminary report Arch Gen Psychiatry 33 1453–1460 Occurrence Handle793563 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaE2s%2FmsVOktg%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SP Woods DW Lovejoy JD Ball (2002) ArticleTitleNeuropsychological characteristics of adults with ADHD: a comprehensive review of initial studies Clin Neuropsychol 16 12–34 Occurrence Handle11992223

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • KK Zakzanis (2001) ArticleTitleStatistics to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: formulae, illustrative numerical examples, and heuristic interpretation of effect size analyses for neuropsychological researchers Arch Clin Neuropsychol 16 653–667 Occurrence Handle14589784 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3srhtlChtQ%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0887-6177(00)00076-7

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmermann P, Fimm B (1993) A computerized neuropsychological assessment of attention deficits (Manual). PsyTest, Herzogenrath, Germany

  • P Zimmermann B Fimm (2002) A test battery for attentional performance M Leclercq P Zimmermann (Eds) Applied neuropsychology of attention: theory, diagnosis and rehabilitation Psychology Press New York 110–151

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    O. Tucha, L. Mecklinger & K. W. Lange

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

    R. Laufkötter & H. E. Klein

  3. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany

    S. Walitza

Authors
  1. O. Tucha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. L. Mecklinger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. Laufkötter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. H. E. Klein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. S. Walitza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. K. W. Lange
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tucha, O., Mecklinger, L., Laufkötter, R. et al. Methylphenidate-induced improvements of various measures of attention in adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Neural Transm 113, 1575–1592 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-005-0437-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-005-0437-7

Search

Navigation