A comparison of parent, teacher, and child performance rating scales in the diagnosis and follow-up of methylphenidate treated children with ADDH is reported from Developmental Pediatrics, San Antonio, TX; Department of Pediatrics, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA; and Department of Pediatrics, William Beaumont Army Medical Cener, El Paso, TX. The three clinical tools provided varying degrees of supportive data during diagnosis and treatment of 21 children with ADD/H. The ADD-H Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale classified 67% as having ADD/H and 14% as borderline. The Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-Revised identified 71% as having ADD/H. The Gordon Diagnostic System showed 52% as having ADD/H and 29% as borderline. During treatment with methylphenidate, the teacher rating scale showed an increase in attention span and a decrease in hyperactivity, the parent rating scale showed a significant decrease in hyperactive behavior and the Gordon child performance scale showed no significant change. [1]
COMMENT. The teacher and parent rating scales were helpful in monitoring the effects of treatment with methylphenidate while the child performance-dependent test was insensitive to drug effects.