Methylphenidate and Hyperactivity: Effects on Teacher Behaviors

Teacher interactions with hyperactive and comparison boys were observed during classroom activities. A double-blind, methylphenidate-placebo cross-over design was used within the hyperactive group. With no knowledge of any child's diagnosis or drug status, the teacher was more intense and controlling toward hyperactive boys taking placebo than toward either medicated hyperactive boys or comparison boys; her behavior did not differ toward the latter two groups. Discussion focused on the need to consider the broad social ramifications of pharmacologic treatment programs.