Lisdexamfetamine to improve excessive daytime sleepiness and weight management in narcolepsy: a case series

Objective: To report the successful use of lisdexamfetamine in the management of narcolepsy. Methods: Five narcoleptic patients received lisdexamfetamine, at different dosages and for different periods, for management of excessive daytime sleepiness and weight control. Results: All patients experienced improvement of excessive daytime sleepiness and lost weight without side effects. Conclusion: Lisdexamfetamine appears promising for the treatment of two of the most common symptoms of narcolepsy: excessive daytime sleepiness and weight gain.

Valoración del cociente Theta/Beta en el electroencefalograma cuantificado de los trastornos por déficit de atención e hiperactividad / Measurement of the theta / beta ratio with the quantified electroencephalogram in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders

El cociente Theta-Beta (T/B) del electroencefalograma cuantificado (EEGQ) de los pacientes con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) constituye una variable del EEG característica del trastorno primario con una precisión global del 89%. El objetivo de este estudio es medir el cociente T/B de una población de con TDAH y los efectos del tratamiento farmacológico con psicoestimulantes y no psicoestimulantes sobre el cociente T/B. La muestra estaba formada por 85 sujetos de entre 6 y los 18 años (68 niños y 17 niñas) con el diagnóstico de TDAH de subtipo inatento y combinado, según los criterios del DSM-V. Se les realizó un EEGQ con medición del cociente T/B antes y después de 6 meses de tratamiento con fármacos psicoestimulantes y no psicoestimulantes. Se compararon ambos grupos mediante la prueba de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon para muestras relacionadas. En el 86% de los casos el cociente T/B fue elevado respecto de los valores normales para la edad. La reducción en el cociente T/B fue significativa en el grupo tratado con psicoestimulantes aunque la reducción con los no psicoestimulantes no fue significativa. En conclusión, se confirma la elevación del cociente T/B en los pacientes con TDAH. Los fármacos psicoestimulantes disminuyen de forma significativa el cociente T/B elevado en los pacientes con TDAH tras 6 meses de tratamiento.

Theta-Beta (T / B) ratio of the quantified electroencephalogram (EEGQ) in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) constitutes a characteristic EEG variable of the primary disorder with an overall accuracy of 89%. The objective of this study was to measure the T/B ratio in a sample of patients with ADHD and the effects of the treatment with psychostimulants and non-psychostimulants on the T/B ratio. The sample consisted of 85 children between 6 and 18 years (68 males and 17 females) with the diagnosis of the inattentive and combined subtype of ADHD, according to the criteria of the DSM-V. An EEGQ was performed with measurement of the T/B ratio before and after 6 months of treatment with psychostimulant and non-psychostimulant drugs. Both groups were compared using the Wilcoxon signed range test for related samples. The results showed that 86% of the cases had a T/B ratio above the normal values for the age of them. The reduction in the T/B ratio was statistically significant in the group of patients treated with psychostimulants. The reduction of non-psychostimulants was not significant. In conclusion, we confirmed the high T/B ratio in patients with ADHD. Psychostimulant drugs decrease the elevated T/B ratio in patients with ADHD after 6 months of treatment.

Evaluación del uso de fármacos y conducta en pacientes con síndrome X frágil / Asessment of pharmacological freatment and behavioral changes in patients with fragile X syndrome

El Síndrome X Frágil (SXF) es la principal causa heredada de Discapacidad intelectual (DI) y Trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Se caracteriza por presentar un fenotipo conductual asociado a hiperactividad, déficit atencional, impulsividad, ansiedad, trastornos conductuales, espectro autista y retraso global del desarrollo. No existe actualmente un tratamiento farmacológico para el trastorno genético de base. El tratamiento farmacológico se focaliza en los síntomas que interfieren con la calidad de vida y aprendizaje, entre ellos la irritabilidad e hiperactividad. OBJETIVO: Evaluar cambios conductuales a través de la escala conductual ABC, de pacientes masculinos con diagnóstico de SXF tratados con psicoestimulantes y/o antipsicóticos en comparación a controles. MÉTODO: Se evalúa a 40 pacientes hombres con diagnóstico de SXF entre los años 2014 y 2017. Se utiliza la evaluación de la conducta mediante el puntaje en la subescala de irritabilidad e hiperactividad de la encuesta ABC-C y el registro de fármacos indicados. Se compara la sintomatología conductual en pacientes que no utilizan fármacos, aquellos que utilizan antipsicóticos, los que usan psicoestimulantes y pacientes tratados con ambos fármacos. RESULTADOS: La mediana de edad fue de 15,1 (±9,3) años. Del total de pacientes, el 42,5% reportó uso de fármacos, de éstos el 35% utilizó psicoestimulantes, 35% antipsicóticos y 30% la combinación de ambos. Se observa que solo el grupo que recibe tratamiento con psicoestimulantes y antipsicóticos en forma simultánea presenta diferencias con el subgrupo sin tratamiento farmacológico. CONCLUSIONES: En más de la mitad de nuestros pacientes se decide no utilizar tratamiento farmacológico. Sin embargo, dichos pacientes igualmente presentan sintomatología de irritabilidad e hiperactividad. Los pacientes que recibieron terapia asociada de psicoestimulantes y antipsicóticos presentan puntajes significativamente más altos en la escala de irritabilidad que aquellos que no recibieron tratamiento farmacológico. Este grupo, que constituye el 12,5% del total de la muestra, presenta un fenotipo conductual que genera mayores dificultades en la calidad de vida del paciente y su entorno.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the main inherited cause of Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. It characteristically presents as a behavioral phenotype asso- ciated with hyperactivity, attention deficit, impulsivity, anxiety, behavioral disorders, autistic spectrum and global developmental delay. There is currently no pharmacological treatment for the underlying genetic disorder. Pharmacological treatment targets symptoms that interfere with quality of life and learning, including irritability and hyperactivity.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate behavioral changes through the ABC behavioral scale of male patients diagnosed with FXS treated with psychostimulants and / or antipsychotics compared to controls. METHOD: 40 male patients with a diagnosis of FXS between 2014 and 2017 were evaluated. The behavioral assessment was done by scoring the irritability and hyperactivity subscale of the ABC-C survey and by registering the prescribed drug. Behavioral symptomatology was compared in patients who do not use drugs, those who use antipsychotics, those who use psychostimulants and patients treated with both drugs. RESULTS: The median age was 15.1 (± 9.3) years. Of the total of patients, 42.5% were prescribed drugs, of these 35% used psychostimulants, 35% antipsychotics and 30% the combination of both. It was observed that the group that received treatment with both psychostimulants and antipsychotics simultaneously presented differences with the subgroup without pharmacological treatment.CONCLUSIONS: In more than half of our patients no pharmacological treatment is prescribed. However, these patients also show symptoms of irritability and hyperactivity. Patients who received associated therapy of psychostimulants and antipsychotics have significantly higher scores on the irritability scale than those who did not receive pharmacological treatment. This group, which constitutes 12.5% of the total sample, has a behavioral phenotype that generates greater difficulties in the patient's quality of life and their environment.

Tratamiento del trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en la práctica clínica habitual: Estudio retrospectivo / Treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in clinical practice. A retrospective study

El trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo complejo y heterogéneo, de carácter crónico, de etiología multifactorial, principalmente debida a factores genéticos y ambientales. Realizamos un estudio analítico retrospectivo del tratamiento de niños diagnosticados de TDAH. Se estudió una muestra de 82 niños diagnosticados de TDAH (74.4% niños y 25.6% niñas). El 96.3% de los casos presentaba algún trastorno asociado. El tratamiento farmacológico fue el tratamiento de elección (90.2%). El 46.0% recibía metilfenidato de liberación inmediata, un 51.4% metilfenidato de liberación sostenida y la atomoxetina solo se recetó en un 2.7% de los casos. El 20.3% de la muestra abandonó en algún momento el tratamiento farmacológico. El tratamiento farmacológico fue la opción más utilizada en nuestra muestra, y el metilfenidato de liberación inmediata el fármaco de elección para inicio del tratamiento. Se utilizan poco las alternativas a los estimulantes. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el tipo de tratamiento y el subtipo de TDAH o el género, aunque sí en cuanto a la edad de inicio del tratamiento.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, of a chronic nature, of multifactorial etiology, mainly due to genetic and environmental factors. We conducted a retrospective analytical study of the t herapeutic management of children diagnosed with ADHD. A sample of 82 children diagnosed with ADHD (74.4% children and 25.6% girls) was studied. 96.3% of the cases presented some associated disorder. Pharmacological treatment was the treatment of choice (90.2%). 46.0% received immediate release methylphenidate, 51.4% sustained release methylphenidate and atomoxetine was only prescribed in 2.7% of patients. 20.3% of the sample abandoned pharmacological treatment at some point. Pharmacological treatment was the most frequent option in our sample, and methylphenidate immediate release the drug of choice for treatment initiation. The alternatives to stimulants are used in very low percentage of the patient. No significant differences were found between the type of treatment regarding the subtype of ADHD or gender, but we found significant difference in relation with the age of onset of treatment.

¿Cómo es la calidad de vida reportada por los estudiantes de Medicina? / Quality of life scores among 411 medical students

Background: The high academic burden may hamper the quality of life of medical students. Aim: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) for medical students attending a Chilean university. Material and Methods: Four hundred eleven medical students aged 22 ± 2 years (51% women), studying in Santiago, Chile, answered online a validated Spanish version of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life survey (scored from 0 to 100). Overall scores were assessed for the questionnaire domains Physical health, Psychological health, Interpersonal relationships, and Environment. Results: The global scores were 65.1 for Physical health, 63.1 for Psychological health, 61.3 for Interpersonal relationships and 67.2 for Environment. Students in clinical practice, females, those with sedentary behaviors and consuming modafinil had lower Physical health scores. Students coming from outside Santiago, with sedentary behaviors and who consumed modafinil had poorer Psychological health scores. Students coming from outside Santiago, males and those with sedentary behaviors had Lower Interpersonal relationship scores. Environment scores were also lower among students who were sedentary or from outside Santiago. Conclusions: The variables that had a greater negative impact in the quality of life of these students were the transition from theoretical courses to clinical practice, being from outside Santiago, being overweight or obese and consuming modafinil. Students that were physically active had better quality of life scores.

TDAH e Ritalina: neuronarrativas em uma comunidade virtual da Rede Social Facebook / ADHD and Ritalin: neuronarratives in a virtual community of Facebook Social Network

Resumo O Trantorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) destaca-se por atingir cerca de 5% a 10% da população infanto-juvenil em diversos continentes, sendo a principal opção de tratamento o uso do metilfenidato (Ritalina). Neste contexto, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender como os conteúdos veiculados nas redes sociais (comunidades virtuais) influenciam no modo pelo qual os familiares, membros destas comunidades, entendem o TDAH e o tratamento, bem como lidam com seus filhos com suspeita ou já diagnosticados com TDAH. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida na perspectiva da Antropologia Médica. A etnografia virtual foi elegida como metodologia de investigação para adentrar a uma comunidade virtual da rede social Facebook. Observou-se que a comunidade virtual investigada, constituída por mães de crianças e adolescentes diagnosticados com TDAH, discute principalmente o uso da medicação para tratamento do TDAH em seus filhos. As narrativas indicam que causa muita angústia em algumas mães darem a seus filhos um medicamento controlado. O sofrimento dos pais mediante as dificuldades de lidarem com seus filhos induz a ideia de que há necessidade de uma solução médica, pois vivemos em uma era em que os percalços da vida tornaram-se patologias.

Abstract Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is notable for affecting between 5% and 10% of the child and adolescent populations in several continents. The main treatment for this is methylphenidate (Ritalin). In this context, the objective of this research was to understand how the contents transmitted in social networks (virtual communities) influence the way family members of these communities understand ADHD and its treatment, as well as how they deal with their children who are suspected of having, or are already diagnosed with, ADHD. The research was developed from the standpoint of Medical Anthropology. Virtual ethnography was chosen as the research methodology to observe a virtual community from the social network Facebook. The virtual community investigated consisted mainly of mothers of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, and it was observed that they mainly discuss the use of medication (Ritalin or Concerta) to treat ADHD in their children. The narratives show that it causes a lot of anxiety in some mothers to give their children controlled substances. We live in an age in which the vissicitudes of life have been pathologised. As a result, parental suffering, as caused by the difficulties of dealing with their children, leads to the idea that medical solutions are necessary for them to aleviate their children's conditions

Uso racional de medicamentos, farmaceuticalização e usos do metilfenidato / Rational use of medicines, pharmaceuticalization and uses of methylphenidate

Resumo O uso racional de medicamentos (URM) é considerado um dos elementos-chave recomendados pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) para as políticas de medicamentos. O crescimento excessivo no uso de medicamentos em muitos países tem sido apontado como uma importante barreira para o alcance do URM e faz parte de um fenômeno denominado ´farmaceuticalização´ da sociedade. Desta forma, o presente artigo objetiva apresentar movimentos para racionalizar o uso do metilfenidato no Brasil e discutir os limites impostos tendo como referência o conceito de farmaceuticalização da sociedade. Trata-se de estudo exploratório, realizado por meio de narrativa da literatura científica. As controvérsias acerca dos usos do metilfenidato o torna um bom exemplo deste fenômeno podendo auxiliar na reflexão e na construção de novos caminhos para os limites encontrados pelo conceito de uso racional de medicamentos.

Abstract The rational use of medicines (URM) is considered one of the key elements recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for pharmaceutical policies. The excessive increase in the use of medicines in many countries has been identified as a major barrier to the achievement of URM and is part of a phenomenon called the 'pharmaceuticalization' of the society. This paper aims to present innitiatives to rationalize the use of methylphenidate and its limits in Brazil, considering the concept of pharmaceuticalization of the society. It is an exploratory study, based on a narrative review of the scientific literature. Controversies about the uses of methylphenidate make it a good example of this phenomenon and may help in the reflection and construction of new paths to the limits found by the concept of rational use of medicines.

Computerized cognitive training in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as add-on treatment to stimulants: feasibility study and protocol description / Treinamento cognitivo para crianças e adolescentes com transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade como tratamento complementar aos psicoestimulantes: estudo de viabilidade e descrição de protocolo

Abstract Background Cognitive training has received increasing attention as a non-pharmacological approach for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. Few studies have assessed cognitive training as add-on treatment to medication in randomized placebo controlled trials. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the feasibility of implementing a computerized cognitive training program for ADHD in our environment, describe its main characteristics and potential efficacy in a small pilot study. Methods Six ADHD patients aged 10-12-years old receiving stimulants and presenting residual symptoms were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial to either a standard cognitive training program or a controlled placebo condition for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was core ADHD symptoms measured using the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Questionnaire (SNAP-IV scale). Results We faced higher resistance than expected to patient enrollment due to logistic issues to attend face-to-face sessions in the hospital and to fill the requirement of medication status and absence of some comorbidities. Both groups showed decrease in parent reported ADHD symptoms without statistical difference between them. In addition, improvements on neuropsychological tests were observed in both groups - mainly on trained tasks. Conclusions This protocol revealed the need for new strategies to better assess the effectiveness of cognitive training such as the need to implement the intervention in a school environment to have an assessment with more external validity. Given the small sample size of this pilot study, definitive conclusions on the effects of cognitive training as add-on treatment to stimulants would be premature.

Resumo Introdução O treinamento cognitivo tem recebido atenção especial como abordagem não medicamentosa para o tratamento do transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) em crianças e adolescentes. Poucos estudos avaliaram o treinamento cognitivo como abordagem complementar à medicação em ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados por placebo. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar a viabilidade para a implementação de um programa de treinamento cognitivo computadorizado, descrever suas características principais e potencial eficácia em um pequeno estudo piloto. Métodos Seis pacientes com TDAH entre 10-12 anos de idade, em uso de psicoestimulantes e apresentando sintomas residuais, foram recrutados e randomizados para um dos dois grupos (treinamento cognitivo ou placebo) por 12 semanas. O desfecho principal foram os sintomas nucleares do TDAH avaliados através do Questionário de Swanson, Nolan e Pelham (SNAP-IV). Resultados Encontramos maior resistência do que a esperada no recrutamento dos pacientes em função de problemas logísticos para atender às sessões presenciais no hospital assim como para preencherem os critérios de status medicamentoso e ausência de algumas comorbidades. Ambos os grupos apresentaram diminuição nos escores dos sintomas de TDAH reportados pelos pais, mas sem diferença estatística entre eles. Além disso, foi observada melhora nos testes neuropsicológicos em ambos os grupos - principalmente nas tarefas treinadas pelo programa. Conclusão Este protocolo revelou a necessidade de novas estratégias para melhor avaliar a eficácia do treinamento cognitivo tal como a necessidade de implementar a intervenção no ambiente escolar a fim de obter uma avaliação com maior validade externa. Devido ao pequeno tamanho amostral deste estudo, conclusões definitivas sobre os efeitos do treinamento cognitivo como abordagem complementar aos psicoestimulantes seriam prematuras.

Intubación al nacer con tubo nasal corto en la transición a la vida extrauterina en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso / Intubation with a short nasal tube at birth during the transition to extrauterine life in very low birth weight infants

Describimos cambios recientes en el cuidado convencional al nacer en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer y la utilización de un tubo nasal corto para apoyar la ventilación inicial en este nuevo contexto. Reportamos nuestra experiencia con los tres primeros casos en que usamos esta técnica simple para administrar nCPAP a recién nacidos durante el alumbramiento mientras existe función placentaria antes de cortar el cordón.

We describe recent changes in conventional care at birth of very low birth weight infants and the use of a short nasal tube to support ventilation. We report our experience in the first three cases with this simple technique to deliver nCPAP to newborn infants during the third stage of labour, while the placenta is still functioning and before cutting the cord

Cost-utility analysis of methylphenidate treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD in Brazil

Objective: To perform a cost-utility analysis on the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with methylphenidate immediate-release (MPH-IR) in children and adolescents from Brazil. Method: A Markov model was constructed to compare MPH-IR vs. no treatment. A 24-week naturalistic study was conducted to collect transition probabilities and utility data. Effectiveness was expressed as quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), and costs reported in 2014 international dollars (I$). The perspective was the Brazilian Unified Health System as payer, and the time horizon was 6 years. Results: Of 171 patients, 73 provided information at baseline, and 56 at week 24. Considering the MPH-IR monthly cost of I$ 38, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of treatment was I$ 9,103/QALY for children and I$ 11,883/QALY for adolescents. In two-way sensitivity analysis, considering one Gross National Product per capita (I$ 11,530) as willingness-to-pay, a cost of no-treatment lower than I$ 45/month would render MPH-IR a cost-saving strategy. Discussion: MPH-IR treatment of children and adolescents is cost-effective for ADHD patients from the Brazilian public health system perspective. Both patients and the healthcare system might benefit from such a strategy. Trial registration number: NCT01705613.

Differences in Utilization Patterns among Medications in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a 36-Month Retrospective Study Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Claims Database

We evaluated the differences in utilization patterns including persistence and adherence among medications in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current study was performed using data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment claims database from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. Our study sample consisted of 10,343 children and adolescents with ADHD who were not given their newly prescribed medication in 360 days before the initial claim in 2010. Data were followed up from the initiation of treatment with ADHD medications in 2010 to December 31, 2013. Discontinuation rates for 4 ADHD medications in our sample ranged from 97.7% for immediate-release methylphenidate to 99.4% for atomoxetine using refill gap more than 30 days and from 56.7% for immediate-release methylphenidate to 62.3% for extended-release methylphenidate using refill gap more than 60 days. In the number of discontinued, we found significant differences among medications using refill gap more than 30 days. Among 4 ADHD medications, extended-release methylphenidate and atomoxetine had more days than immediate-release methylphenidate and osmotic-controlled oral delivery system methylphenidate. In logistic regression analyses, extended-release methylphenidate, osmotic-controlled oral delivery system methylphenidate, and atomoxetine showed less discontinuation compared to immediate-release methylphenidate group when a refill gap more than 30 days was used. In logistic regression analysis of adherence, we could not find any differences among 4 medication types. We suggest that the utilization patterns should be assessed regularly in order to improve future outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Differences in Utilization Patterns among Medications in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a 36-Month Retrospective Study Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Claims Database

We evaluated the differences in utilization patterns including persistence and adherence among medications in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The current study was performed using data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment claims database from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. Our study sample consisted of 10,343 children and adolescents with ADHD who were not given their newly prescribed medication in 360 days before the initial claim in 2010. Data were followed up from the initiation of treatment with ADHD medications in 2010 to December 31, 2013. Discontinuation rates for 4 ADHD medications in our sample ranged from 97.7% for immediate-release methylphenidate to 99.4% for atomoxetine using refill gap more than 30 days and from 56.7% for immediate-release methylphenidate to 62.3% for extended-release methylphenidate using refill gap more than 60 days. In the number of discontinued, we found significant differences among medications using refill gap more than 30 days. Among 4 ADHD medications, extended-release methylphenidate and atomoxetine had more days than immediate-release methylphenidate and osmotic-controlled oral delivery system methylphenidate. In logistic regression analyses, extended-release methylphenidate, osmotic-controlled oral delivery system methylphenidate, and atomoxetine showed less discontinuation compared to immediate-release methylphenidate group when a refill gap more than 30 days was used. In logistic regression analysis of adherence, we could not find any differences among 4 medication types. We suggest that the utilization patterns should be assessed regularly in order to improve future outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Naturalistic Pharmacotherapy Compliance among Pediatric Patients with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a Study Based on Three-Year Nationwide Data

We examined short- and long-term medication compliance among youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), using data from the National Health Insurance database in Korea. Of the 5,699,202 6-14-year-old youth in 2008, we chose those with at least 1 medical claim containing an ICD-10 code for diagnosis of ADHD (F90.0) and no prescription for ADHD within the previous 365 days. We tracked the data every 6 months between 2008 and 2011, to determine treatment compliance among newly diagnosed, medicated patients. Further, we checked every 1 month of the 6 months after treatment commencement. Treatment continuity for each patient was calculated by sequentially counting the continuous prescriptions. For measuring compliance, we applied the medication possession ratio (MPR) as 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8, and the gap method as 15- and 30-days' intervals. There were 15,133 subjects; 11,934 (78.86%) were boys. Overall 6-month treatment compliance was 59.0%, 47.3%, 39.9%, 34.1%, 28.6%, and 23.1%. Monthly drop-out rates within the first 6 months were 20.6%, 6.5%, 4.7%, 3.7%, 3.0%, and 2.5%, respectively. When applying MPR more strictly or shorter gap days, treatment compliance lessened. This is the first nationwide report on 36-month treatment compliance of the whole population of 6-14-year-olds with ADHD. We found the beginning of the treatment, especially the first month, to be a critical period in pharmacotherapy. These results also suggest the importance of setting appropriate treatment adherence standards for patients with ADHD, considering the chronic course of ADHD.

Methylphenidate use in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / Uso de metilfenidato em crianças com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade

A Brazilian Health Technology Assessment Bulletin (BRATS) article regarding scientific evidence of the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has caused much controversy about its methods. Considering the relevance of BRATS for public health in Brazil, we critically reviewed this article by remaking the BRATS search and discussing its methods and results. Two questions were answered: did BRATS include all references available in the literature? Do the conclusions reflect the reviewed articles? The results indicate that BRATS did not include all the references from the literature on this subject and also that the proposed conclusions are different from the results of the articles chosen by the BRATS authors themselves. The articles selected by the BRATS authors showed that using methylphenidate is safe and effective. However, the BRATS final conclusion does not reflect the aforementioned and should not be used to support decisions on the use of methylphenidate.

O Boletim Brasileiro de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde (BRATS), em matéria sobre as evidências científicas da eficácia e segurança do metilfenidato para o transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH), gerou controvérsias sobre sua metodologia. Considerando a relevância do BRATS para a saúde pública no Brasil, realizou-se análise crítica dessa matéria ao refazer a busca do BRATS e discutir sua metodologia e achados. Foram respondidas duas perguntas:o BRATS incluiu todas as referências disponíveis na literatura? As conclusões refletiram os textos revisados? Identificou-se que o BRATS não incluiu todas as referências da literatura sobre o tema e que as conclusões propostas estão diferentes dos resultados dos artigos escolhidos pelos próprios autores do BRATS. Os artigos selecionados pelos autores do BRATS apontam para a eficácia e segurança do uso do metilfenidato. Entretanto, a conclusão final dos autores não reflete isso e não deveria ser usada como referência para orientar decisões sobre o uso do metilfenidato.

El dilema del metilfenidato en el TDAH: estudio de caso / The dilema of methylphenidate in the ADHD: case of study

El Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad (TDAH), es una de las alteraciones del neurodesarrollo de mayor prevalencia; su trinomio sintomático de desatención, hiperactividad e impulsividad, genera significativas dificultades en distintos contextos en donde se desenvuelve el niño. Este trabajo presenta el estudio de caso de un niño de 11 años, diagnosticado con TDAH con predominio de déficit de atención (TDAH-DA), medicado con metilfenidato (MFD) a 36 mg. Se buscó analizar y comparar las diferencias en el desempeño de atención y funciones ejecutivas, evaluadas a través de la batería neuropsicológica Monitoreo Cognitivo Computarizado, en relación a la presencia o ausencia de medicación. Los resultados permiten evidenciar como la suspensión de la mediación en este caso afectó el sistema pre-atencional, la atención sostenida y la flexibilidad cognitiva, y no así la atención selectiva, la fluencia de lectura, la capacidad de nominación y el output motor, en especial de la mano izquierda, los cuales incluso obtuvieron un mejor desempeño al suspenderla. Este estudio plantea los beneficios del MFD en el sistema pre-atencional y atención sostenida más que en la atención selectiva y su influencia en el detrimento de la velocidad de procesamiento.

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Its symptomatic trinomial of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness generates significant difficulties within several contexts in which the child evolves. This work shows a case study of an 11-yearoldboy, diagnosed with ADHD subtype: inattentive, medicated with methylphenidate (MPH) 36mg. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the differences regarding the development of attention and executive functions, assessed through the neuropsychological battery Cognitive Computerized Monitoring related with the presence or absence of medication. In this case, the results show how withdrawing the medication affects the pre-attentional system, sustained attention and cognitive flexibility. On the other hand, the results demonstrate that the cessation of medication does not affect selective attention, Reading fluency, naming capacity and motor output, especially the right hand’s motor output that even showed better performance when suspending medication. This study confirms the benefits of MPH in the pre-attentional system and sustained attention, more than selective attention and its influence in the detriment of processing speed.

O metifenidato no Brasil: uma década de publicações / Methylphenidate in Brazil: a decade of publications

O metilfenidato é um estimulante comercializado desde os anos 50 na Suíça, na Alemanha e nos EUA. Mas foi somente a partir de sua associação com o Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) que suas vendas alavancaram, tornando-se o estimulante mais consumido no mundo. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar os resultados de uma análise das publicações brasileiras sobre os usos do metilfenidato no Brasil, ao longo da última década. Com isto, visa compreender como as informações são apresentadas ou omitidas nos diferentes espaços de divulgação impressa. Para tal análise, foram pesquisadas publicações científicas, nos principais periódicos de psiquiatria brasileiros, e reportagens de jornais e revistas nacionais destinados ao público em geral. A pesquisa inclui as publicações do período de 1998 a 2008. Destaca-se como ponto relevante da análise a importante participação dos laboratórios no financiamento dos grupos e pesquisas sobre TDAH. Os achados indicam que a combinação do uso do medicamento com psicoterapias, a dependência do medicamento e a ideia de que existe excesso de prescrição no Brasil são temas controversos nas publicações analisadas.

Methylphenidate is frequently associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), though this psychostimulant has been on the market in Switzerland, Germany and the US since the 1950s. After its association with ADHD, Ritalin has become the world's most widely used psychostimulant. The scope of this article is to present the results of an analysis of publications concerning the use of Methylphenidate in Brazil over a decade. It seeks to understand how the information is presented or omitted in the different printed materials. For the analysis, the most important Brazilian psychiatric journals as well as major Brazilian newspapers and magazines for the general public for the 1998-2008 period were consulted. One important point that resulted from analysis of the empirical material was the participation of pharmaceutical laboratories in the funding of research groups on ADHD. The findings reveal several controversial issues in the publications, such as the combination of drugs and psychotherapy, as well as issues of addiction and over-prescription.