Indian Journal of Private Psychiatry

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VOLUME 16 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2022 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

A Study of Safety and Efficacy of Methylphenidate in Children and Adolescents: An Observational Clinical Study

Akshay Chordia, Sagar Karia, Nilesh Shah, Avinash De Sousa

Keywords : Appetite, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Methylphenidate, Weight

Citation Information : Chordia A, Karia S, Shah N, De Sousa A. A Study of Safety and Efficacy of Methylphenidate in Children and Adolescents: An Observational Clinical Study. Ind J Priv Psychiatry 2022; 16 (2):56-60.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10067-0115

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 31-08-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) leads to various problems like academic underachievement, interpersonal relationship problems, and low self-esteem. Medications like methylphenidate (MPH) used for its treatment have decreased appetite and weight loss as the main side effects. There is scarce literature that throws light on the prevalence or severity of these particular side effects in patients with ADHD. Aims and objectives: So this study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of MPH in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Materials and methods: Patients of age-group 5–17 years who were diagnosed with ADHD were included in the study after taking informed consent of their parents. Semistructured pro forma was used to collect demographic and phenomenological details. Conners rating scale was used to assess ADHD severity. Methylphenidate was started for treating ADHD and patients were followed up at 1 and 3 months and change in Conners scale and side effects including appetite changes were asked for on follow-ups. Also, height and weight were measured on all visits. Results: One-hundred and seven patients with a mean age of 9.61 years were enrolled; of which, 79% of them were males. Seventy-three percent of them had a combined type of ADHD. The mean dose of MPH increased on subsequent follow-ups. Forty percent of them experience a decrease in their appetite at 1 month but only 18% of them had appetite issues at 3 months. There were no statistically significant changes in the height and weight of the patients on follow-ups. Conclusion: MPH is a very well-tolerated treatment for ADHD and not many side effects are observed in children taking it. Appetite reduction is seen for the initial treatment period which can be managed by giving MPH after heavy breakfast and meals.


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