Music and video as distractors for boys with ADHD in the classroom: comparison with controls, individual differences, and medication effects

J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2011 Nov;39(8):1085-98. doi: 10.1007/s10802-011-9529-z.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of music and video on the classroom behavior and performance of boys with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and examined the effects of 0.3 mg/kg methylphenidate (MPH). In one study, 41 boys with ADHD and 26 controls worked in the presence of no distractor, music, or video. Video produced significant distraction, particularly for the boys with ADHD, and MPH improved the performance of boys with ADHD across distractor conditions.There were individual differences in response to the music such that some boys were adversely affected and others benefited relative to no-distractor.In a second study, music and MPH were assessed in an additional 86 boys with ADHD to examine further the music results. In the presence or absence of music, MPH improved performance relative to placebo. Similar individual differences were found as in Experiment 1.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / drug effects
  • Child Behavior / psychology
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Educational Status
  • Humans
  • Individuality
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use
  • Music* / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Video Recording*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate