Investigation of the effect of methylphenidate treatment on self-esteem in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on self-esteem, depressive symptoms and anxiety levels in children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and started MPH treatment. Method: Children (n=37; %81 boys, %19 girls) age range 8-12 years (mean age: 114,11±15,39 months) who were diagnosed with ADHD for the first time or who had previously been diagnosed with ADHD but had not been treated for the last six months and were started on MPH treatment were included in the study and were followed up for 3 months as monthly controls. In order to assess ADHD symptom severity and type, the Turgay DSM-IV Disruptive Behavioral Disorders Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) was administered to parents before treatment and at all controls. Before the treatment and at the 1st month control, T-DSM-IV-S was filled out by the teachers. Before the MPH treatment and at the monthly controls for 3 months, the participants were administered with the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSS), the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Screening of Anxiety Disorders in Children Scale (SCARED). Results: A significant decrease was noted in the severity of attention deficit and hyperactivity as from the 1st month compared to pre-treatment with MPH treatment. A significant improvement was observed in the happiness and satisfaction, anxiety, popularity, behavior subscale scores and total scores of PHCSS as from the 2nd month and as from the 3rd month in the physical appearance, mental state and school status subscale scores with MPH treatment. There was a significant decrease in depressive symptoms as from the 2nd month compared to pre-treatment, and a significant decrease in anxiety level at the 3rd control. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD with MPH is of great importance in terms of improving ADHD symptoms as well as contributing to the child's development of positive beliefs about oneself and increasing self-esteem, reducing the level of depressive symptoms and anxiety.