Brief Report: effects of methylphenidate on the light adapted electroretinogram

Paul Constable, David H. Skuse, Dorothy A. Thompson, Irene O. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose
To explore changes in the electroretinogram (ERG) following methylphenidate use in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods
Light adapted ERGs were recorded in five individuals (3 male and 2 female, age range 13.6–21.8 years) with a diagnosis of ADHD. Six flash strengths ranging from 71 to 446 Td.s were qualitatively evaluated following a minimum of 24 h without any medication and from 2 to 6 h following the individuals’ standard slow-release (XL) methylphenidate dose that ranged from 18 to 60 mg.

Results
Of the six flash strengths, the 178 Td.s strength revealed changes in four of the five participants with a median 27.4% increase in b-wave amplitude. For three individuals there was an increase in the a-wave amplitude and for two of the same individuals there was also a noticeable pronouncement of the oscillatory potentials. The a-wave amplitude showed a greatest median increase at the 446 Td.s flash strength of 25.8%. One individual – on the highest dose (60 mg) exhibited no morphologically distinct changes in the ERG. No differences in the time to peaks of the a- and b-wave were observed for any individual.

Conclusion
The a- and b-wave amplitudes of the light adapted ERG could provide insights into the effect of methylphenidate in ADHD
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere9
Number of pages8
JournalDocumenta Ophthalmologica
Early online date15 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 15 Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Dopamine
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • Retina
  • Medication

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