Electrophysiological indices of information processing in methylphenidate responders

Event-related potential (ERP) studies report that the positive deflection following stimulus evaluation at 300 msec (P3) in hyperactive children is augmented by methylphenidate (MP). This study investigates P3 and preceding ERP components using an auditory oddball task in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mismatch negativity, negativity at 100 and 200 msec, and positivity at 200 msec and 300 msec (P3) were obtained from 14 control and hyperkinetic children. ADHD children who responded to MP were tested on two separate days while receiving either MP or placebo. Controls were tested once. No differences were found between groups for ERP components preceding P3. P3 amplitude was significantly larger under MP than under placebo, but did not differ from controls. Under MP, differences in P3 amplitude unexpectedly occurred when no response was required. A P3 amplitude increase under MP and the unexpected P3 suggest that MP affects attention regulation.