Methylphenidate effects on EEG, behavior, and performance in boys with ADHD.

The psychophysiologic and behavioral effects of methylphenidate were assessed in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder between the ages of 9 and 11 years. The effects of methylphenidate on the EEG during baseline and cognitive tasks were evaluated using spectral analysis. Both subjective (rating scales) and objective (continuous performance) measures were administered and analyzed in conjunction with the electrophysiologic data. Although methylphenidate induced regional changes in the EEG under certain task-specific conditions, it had no global effects. Behavioral and performance measures improved with methylphenidate.