Methods of evaluating methylphenidate in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: acceptability, satisfaction, and compliance.

Compared two methods of evaluating methylphenidate (MPH) on measures of parental acceptance, satisfaction, and compliance with the treatment. Twenty-four 6- to 10-year-old children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were randomly assigned to either a blind, placebo-controlled medication trial (MT) or to a typical clinical procedures (TCP) evaluation that was nonblind and without a placebo control. Ratings of satisfaction were significantly higher in the MT condition than in the TCP condition; however, all parents became more accepting of MPH after participating in an evaluation. Both during the evaluation and at 6-week and 3-month follow-ups, approximately 20% of cases were not complying with treatment. However, rates of compliance did not differ between the MT and TCP conditions.