S19-02 Methylphenidate treatment in ADHD/borderline personality disorder adolescent girls and smoking behavior

Abstract

Background:Cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence is prevalent among the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pediatric population. We assessed the influence of methylphenidate treatment on the smoking behavior of adolescent girls with ADHD/ borderline personality disorder (BPD).Method:Twelve ADHD/BPD female adolescent smokers aged 14-19 years were treated with MPH for an 8 week period. The severity of ADHD was assessed by the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and the smoking behavior was rated by Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND).Results:Significant improvement was detected in ADHD symptomathology, (Baseline vs. endpoint: ADHD-RS : 33.1±6.8 vs. 19.9±6.8, t=6.875, df=11, p=0.0001). A decline in the severity of nicotine dependence, as assessed by FTND (baseline vs. endpoint: 4.1±2.6 vs. 2.0±1.9, t = 4.056, df=11, p= 0.0019), was observed. No significant correlation was found between changes in the ADHD-RS and the FTND following methylphenidate treatment (r=0.09935, p=0.7587).Conclusion:Methylphenidate may attenuate smoking behavior in ADHD/BPD female adolescent smokers.