The unique and combined effects of reinforcement and methylphenidate on temporal information processing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Open accessAbstract
Temporal information processing and reward sensitivity are neurocognitive impairments key to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to examine the unique and combined impact of reinforcement and methylphenidate (MPH) on temporal information processing in children with ADHD. We predicted that both monetary reinforcement and MPH would ameliorate temporal information processing deficits in ADHD, and we expected that the combined effect of reinforcement and MPH would be most beneficial. Forty children (23 with ADHD and 27 typical controls, aged 8-12 y) performed a time production task under 3 conditions: reward, response cost, and feedback only. Children with ADHD also performed the task (in random order) with placebo, a low, a medium, and a high dose of MPH. Dependent variables were time production accuracy and variability. At baseline, children with ADHD displayed poor internal clock functioning compared with controls, as reflected by greater underestimations of the 1-second interval, and they showed poor motor output as reflected by increased timing variability. Reward and response cost improved motor output (timing variability), with similar effects for both groups. Methylphenidate increased performance (timing variability) compared with placebo, with a higher dose showing greater effects. Effect sizes of reinforcement and medication were medium to large. Contrary to expectations, MPH did not add to the reinforcement effect. The results of this study confirm the value of reward and response cost being similar to that of MPH to optimize (timing) performance of children with ADHD.
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The study's findings could extend evidence for acute and chronic methylphenidate administration significantly improving timing and attention functions in children with ADHD including the same tasks.
“These findings could extend evidence for acute and chronic methylphenidate administration significantly improving timing (66, 94) and attention functions in children with ADHD including the same tasks (22, 29–31).”
From Differential effects of a single dose of Lisdexamfetamine and Guanfacine on cognitive function in children with ADHD (2025) · cites this paper as [94]
The available copy contains the paper’s title and bibliographic details (passages [1]–[3]), but no methods or findings. Searches for acute and chronic methylphenidate effects did not yield passages establishing significant improvements in timing or attention, so the attributed finding cannot be checked from this copy. (LLM, conf=0.72)
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Linking ADHD to the Neural Circuitry of Attention
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- Authors
- Luman, M., Papanikolau, A., & Oosterlaan, J.
- Affiliations
- De Bascule (NL)
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL)
- Corresponding author
- Luman, Marjolein
- Oosterlaan, Jaap
- Venue
- Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
- Published
- 2015-08
- Volume
- 35
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 414-421
- ISSN
- 0271-0749 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2410064266
- Cited by
- 14
- References
- 16
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 2
- FWCI
- 0.82
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- pure.amsterdamumc.nl
- Licence
- other-oa
- Locations
- Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- VU Research Portal (publishedVersion)
- Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
- Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- VU Research Portal (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies
- Keywords
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, methylphenidate, temporal processing, time production, reward sensitivity, monetary reinforcement, response cost, internal clock, timing variability, children, ADHD medication
- MeSH terms
- Central Nervous System Stimulants, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Child, Combined Modality Therapy, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Processes, Methylphenidate, Reinforcement, Psychology, Time Factors, Treatment Outcome
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