Rate-dependency and hyperactivity: methylphenidate effects on operant responding

Abstract

The two most common treatment for hyperactivity are psychopharmacological regimens and behavior therapy. Although the concurrent use of stimulant medication has been purported to enhance a child's rate of responding under a behavior management program, studies examining the interaction of the two treatments have been unable to confirm this hypothesis. The present investigation sought to examine the effects of differing levels of methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) upon operant responding with hyperactive children. After an initial drug-free training period, 10 first through fourth grade hyperactive males performed an operant key-pressing task under a mult VR 5 FI 30 sec reinforcement schedule across four randomly determined, double-blind drug conditions (placebo, 5, 10, 15 mg). Only VR responding changed significantly during medication conditions; however, rate-dependent psychostimulant effects were found within both reinforcement schedules. Discrepancies with animal rate-dependency and implications for treatment and future research are discussed. Medication effects on operant responding appear to depend upon the reinforcement schedule and dose employed.