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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sarah Verity
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.Survivors of childhood Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) often report chronic and debilitating neurocognitive late effects. While short-term clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of methylphenidate in improving neurocognitive performance within the early phases of recovery, its effectiveness over longer treatment periods remains largely unexplored. The present systematic review aims to evaluate whether methylphenidate may serve as a beneficial long-term rehabilitative strategy for improving neuropsychological outcomes in childhood ABI. Database searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from their inception to March 2023. Studies containing a neurocognitive, psychosocial, or quality of life outcome measure were included. A purpose-developed evaluation tool was used to assess the quality of the evidence base. Six of the 1926 identified articles were included within this review. Results drew upon three clinical populations; brain tumor (n = 76), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 33), and epilepsy and other EEG abnormalities (n = 166). Study durations ranged between six to 12 months. Methylphenidate was associated with sustained improvements in attentional functioning, processing speed, social skills, and quality of life, with benefits extending beyond the initial recovery phase and into future development. Side effects of methylphenidate use were reported to be mild and temporary.
Author(s): Harrison TJ, Pornsukjantra P, Hagan AJ, Verity SJ
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Applied Neuropsychology: Child
Year: 2024
Pages: epub ahead of print
Online publication date: 14/10/2024
Acceptance date: 02/04/2018
ISSN (print): 2162-2965
ISSN (electronic): 2162-2973
Publisher: Routledge
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/21622965.2024.2413091
DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2024.2413091
Data Access Statement: he data used in this review is published within the literature base and as such no new data was created or stored.
