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Drug and placebo side effects in methylphenidate-placebo trial for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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Abstract

In a double-blind methylphenidate placebo trial for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), side effects were reported on both placebo and methylphenidate (MPH), and many side effects were similar to the symptoms of ADHD. We suggest that parents and teachers may mistake the symptoms of ADHD for side effects of MPH, and this misconstrual may contribute to the poor acceptance of and compliance with taking MPH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of British Columbia, #202-2775 Heather Street, V5Z 1M9, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

    Stuart Fine MD (Professor of Psychiatry) & Charlotte Johnston PhD

Authors
  1. Stuart Fine MD
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  2. Charlotte Johnston PhD
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This research was supported by a grant from CIBA-Geigy Canada.

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Fine, S., Johnston, C. Drug and placebo side effects in methylphenidate-placebo trial for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Child Psych Hum Dev 24, 25–30 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02353715

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02353715

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