Abstract
The present study was conceived with the objective to study the correlation between the Conners' Parent Rating score and autonomic functions in children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before and after treatment with Methylphenidate. ADHD is associated with autonomic dysfunction which gets further modulated by drug therapy. There are few prospective studies to evaluate the correlation between the Conners' Parent Rating score and autonomic functions before and after 12 weeks of methylphenidate treatment in drug-naive patients with ADHD. The parasympathetic reactivity was tested with E: I ratio (Deep Breathing Test) and 30:15 ratio (Heart response to standing). On the Sympathetic reactivity tests, the Increase in Systolic blood pressure (SBP) & diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on exposure to cold (Cold Pressor test) and sustained handgrip (Handgrip test) was performed on the subjects. Cold Pressor Test SBP differences showed a negative correlation with Connors Parent Rating score signifying that the children with lower ADHD scores had higher responsiveness to CPT-induced SBP changes. Post-therapy Cold Pressor Test SBP differences showed a negative correlation with Connors ARS signifying that the children with lower ADHD scores had higher responsiveness to CPT-induced SBP changes. Hence with the improvement as shown by reduction in ADHD scores, the sympathovagal balance shifts towards the sympathetic arm.
Keywords: Conners' Parent Rating score, ADHD, methylphenidate, autonomic functions
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Corresponding Author
Dr Pramesh Dogra
Medical Officer, Directorate of Health Services, Department of Health and Family Welfare,
Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, SDA Complex, Kasumpti, Shimla, India – 171006
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Mob No.8010826664
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i6.162
