The Influence of a Token Economy and Methylphenidate on Attentive and Disruptive Behavior during Sports with Adhd-Diagnosed Children

• Published in: Behavior modification Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 305 - 323
• Main Authors: Reitman, David, Hupp, Stephen D. A., O’Callaghan, Patrick M., Gulley, Veronica, Northup, John
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Publications 01.04.2001; Sage; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders - diagnosis; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders - therapy; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - therapy; Attention Deficit Disorders; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Behavior; Behavior Problems; Behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Children & youth; Combined Modality Therapy; Economics; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Methylphenidate - administration & dosage; Neuropharmacology; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Physical Education; Psychoanaleptics: cns stimulant, antidepressant agent, nootropic agent, mood stabilizer..., (alzheimer disease); Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychopharmacology; Sports; Stimulants; Token Economy; Treatments; Human; Preschool age; Physical exercise; CNS stimulant; Hyperactivity; Psychotropic; Treatment efficiency; Token reinforcement; Chemotherapy; Sport; School age; Attentional disorder; Behavior therapy; Child; Methylphenidate
• ISSN: 0145-4455; 1552-4167
• DOI: 10.1177/0145445501252007

Three children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) participated in a summer program designed to evaluate the influence of stimulant medication and a token economy on attentive and disruptive behavior during kickball games. Attentive and disruptive behavior were assessed using an interval coding system, and daily ratings on the ADHD Index of the Conners Teacher Rating Scale-Revised were also obtained.Amultielement reversal designwas used, and the results indicated that both interventions independently improved attentive behavior and decreased disruptive behavior for the participants. Contrary to other research, when the token economy and medication were compared in isolation, the token system appeared more effective in reducing disruptive behavior for 2 of the 3 participants. In addition, the token system generally enhanced the effects of stimulant medication.