“Effects of methylphenidate on cognition and behaviour in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: A study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial” is a peer-reviewed primary article. Primary articles are an original research article that is written by researchers who conducted the experimental study. This article is about a neurogenetic condition known as neurofibromatosis type 1, which is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the NF1 gene. The NF1 gene is critical for the growth and development of cells. Due to this mutation, tumors form on nerve tissues and can cause a change in skin pigmentation, seizures, learning disabilities (such as ADHD), body abnormalities (eyes, ears, bones), and many other issues. The writer(s) of the primary article decided to experiment with two treatment conditions. Methylphenidate, a stimulant medication that increases dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission, rescued the behavioural and dopamine abnormalities (​Pride et al., 2018)​ and a placebo. They had 36 participants between the ages of 7-16 years split into two separate groups. One group would receive methylphenidate while the other group received a placebo for 6 weeks. After they would switch treatments, so that group one would be on the placebo, while group two would receive methylphenidate for 6 weeks. “Neurocognitive and behavioural outcomes as well as neuroimaging measures will be completed at baseline and repeated at the end of each treatment condition” ​(Pride et al., 2018)​. This was completely randomized where neither the participants, nor the researcher(s) knew which group had which treatment and a third party was assigned to give the medication to the two groups. They did this so that the trial would be unbiased. The researcher(s) and the participants would not be told until the 12-week trial was over. The primary aim of this clinical trial is to assess the efficacy of methylphenidate for reducing attention deficits, spatial working memory impairments and ADHD symptoms in children with NF1 ​(Pride et al., 2018).​ So far, the article has been reviewed by trustworthy and knowledgeable experts but as of now, the results have not been made known.  

Citation: 

1.Pride, N. A. et al. Effects of methylphenidate on cognition and behaviour in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: A study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial. BMJ Open 8, (2018).