DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/QDGY-BG43
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Robert Hamm
Abstract
Adolescent and young adult males are at a higher risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the general population. Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also more prevalent for males in these age groups. The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate (MPH). Based on the increase in the number of new diagnoses of ADHD and the number of children who continue taking MPH into adulthood, it is important to evaluate how chronic or acute MPH administered prior to injury may influence recovery following TBI. In both studies, cognitive abilities of male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed on post-injury using the Morris Water Maze. There was no effect of chronic MPH treatment on cognitive outcome following TBI. In contrast, acute MPH pre-treatment improved cognitive outcome as measured by the MWM. The MPH + injury group reached sham-injury levels on days 4 and 5 in the MWM.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008