Continuous Performance Test Is Sensitive to a Single Methylphenidate Challenge in Preschool Children With ADHD.

There is a lack of evidence-based diagnostic paradigms and personalized interventions for preschoolers with ADHD. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD on a continuous performance test (CPT) before and after a single methylphenidate (MPH) challenge. The Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA)-a CPT-was administered to 61 preschoolers (5.64 ± 0.69 years; 74% boys) with ADHD before and after a single MPH challenge (0.3 or 0.5 mg/kg). Baseline TOVA performance was correlated with Conners' Rating Scales (CRS) and compared with post-MPH TOVA performance. A high rate of omission errors and several significant correlations between TOVA values and CRS scores were found at baseline. A single MPH administration improved TOVA performance significantly and was well tolerated. TOVA assessment may assist in the evaluation of the effect of MPH in preschoolers with ADHD and may help in planning interventions for them.