The Effects of Stimulant Medication on Disruptive Behavior, Choice, and Preference in Children and Adolescents Exhibiting Disruptive Behavior
Matthew J O'Brien, PhD, BCBA-D
Summary
The goal of this study is to determine the effects of stimulant medication on disruptive behavior, function, preference and choice; however, it is primarily methodological and will add to current research by establishing an effective evaluation of the impact of stimulant medication on these behaviors. Three behavior assessments for children and adolescents diagnosed with AD/HD who exhibit disruptive behavior will be conducted: 1. Preference assessments will be conducted to determine whether preference for social and nonsocial items and activities differs under medication and non-medication conditions. 2. Functional analyses will be conducted to determine whether stimulant medication has an effect on the frequency and function or purpose of disruptive behavior. 3. Choice assessments will be conducted to evaluate the impact of stimulant medication on impulse control/delay discounting. This study will be conducted in three phases. For each of the 5 to 10 participants there will be 8 total visits. The first 4 visits will entail a preference assessment, followed by a functional analysis. On visits 1 and 3, the participant will be asked to take his/her stimulant medication as is typically done; however, on visits 2 and 4, the participant will be asked to refrain from taking the medication. For visits 5-8, participants will continue to participate in preference assessments, but will also be presented with a choice arrangement with work and play. In the choice arrangement, participants will be given four work cards and four play cards that they can organize in any order. Work cards will be associated with a brief academic task and play cards will be associated with a brief play period using high-preferred toys/activities. On visits 5 and 7 the participant will be asked to take his or her stimulant medication as usual, while on visits 6 and 8 the participant will be asked to refrain from taking his or her medication.
Description
This study includes the consent, a pre-visit interview, and two assessment phases occurring at weekly visits. Phase I includes four visits, each lasting approximately 2 hours. Phase II includes four visits, each lasting approximately 1 hour. The following are the description of the consent, pre-visit, and Phases I and II: Consenting: A research team member will review eligibility criteria and study procedures with a prospective subject prior to requesting consent. Following consent, an interview will occur by phone or in person. If the caregiver desires, the interview may take place on the s…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4–12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participant must be a child or adolescent between the ages of 4 years, 0 months, and 13 years, 0 months (participants must not be older than 12 years, 11 months). 2. Participant must have a valid diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). No specification of type (e.g., predominately inattentive type, predominately hyperactive-impulsive type, or combined type) will be necessary. 3. Participant must exhibit disruptive behavior, defined as one or more of the following: 1. physical or verbal aggression towards others: Hitting, kicking, biting, scrat…
Interventions
- DrugStimulant
The stimulants used must meet FDA dosage guidelines for age.
Location
- University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsIowa City, Iowa