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This is a study of the growth of 72 hyperactive boys treated continuously with methylphenidate hydrochloride. Major findings were that methylphenidate produces an adverse effect on growth in height and in weight in the first year of treatment, but not in the second year; the first year height deficit is offset in the second year by a greater-than-expected growth rate. No clinical predictors of growth deficits were found; growth in height deficits are not related to total dosage or summer drug holidays, but weight deficits may be related to these factors. Side effects did not correlate with dosage. The temporary growth deficits of the first year are of such minor magnitude as to have little clinical significance.

This study reports findings at the end of the second year of a three-year prospective study of 61 hyperactive boys. Individualized multimodality treatment plans commensurate with each child's disabilities were implemented by the research staff. Measures of the child's behavior at home and at school, academic performance, delinquent behavior, and emotional adjustment were obtained initially and at the end of each treatment year. The combination of a clinically useful medication in appropriate dosage schedules with relevant psychological treatments simultaneously directed to each of the child's many disabilities were associated with an unexpectedly good outcome at the end of one and two years. Whether this improvement will be maintained over a longer period of time and whether young adult outcome will be affected await further investigation.

This study reports findings at the end of the first year of a three-year prospective study of 84 hyperactive boys. A multidimensional approach to evaluation and an individualized multimodality treatment plan commensurate with each child's disabilities was used. Treatment plans were implemented by members of the research staff working together as a coordinated therapeutic team. Measures of the child's behavior at home and at school, academic performance, delinquent behavior, and emotional adjustment were obtained initially and at one year. Results suggest that the combination of a clinically useful medication with appropriate psychological treatments simultaneously directed to each of the child's many disabilities is associated with an unexpectedly good outcome. Whether this will continue to be true when these children are followed up over a longer period of time awaits further investigation.