ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of methylphenidate (MPH) on height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in drug-naive children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) over 24 months. The secondary objective was to investigate whether the age of MPH initiation and sex act as risk factors for growth retardation. Methods A total of 82 patients with ADHD were included. Weight, height, and BMI were measured at baseline and every 6 months up to 24 months. Weight, height, and BMI data were converted to z-scores and analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Results The z-score of height, weight and BMI decreased from the baseline values. The z-scores of height were at baseline 0.002; 6 months -0.100; 12 months -0.159; 18 months -0.159; 24 months -0.186. The z-scores of weight were at baseline 0.104; 6 months -0.155; 12 months -0.256; 18 months -0.278; 24 months -0.301. Here were no age and sex differences of height, weight, and BMI. Conclusion The use of MPH was associated with attenuation of weight and height gain rates in children and adolescents with ADHD.

In this study, we divided the types of depression, focusing on defense mechanisms based on psychodynamic theory, and then explored the clinical and psychological characteristics of each group. Methods: We recruited 619 patients with depression. Cluster analysis according to defense mechanisms was conducted on each group. Defense mechanisms were rated based on the defense style questionnaire (DSQ). We compared psychological characteristics between the groups using The symptom checklist-90-revised (SCL-90-R), Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), The Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2 (MMPI-2), temperament and character inventory (TCI), and personality disorder questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+). Results: DSQ results showed significant differences between the groups. Groups 1 and 2 had high levels of passive aggression, acting out, and omnipotence. Group 1 had higher affiliation and use the most immature defense mechanisms. Group 3 had higher projective identification and no other defense mechanisms. In SCL-90-R, BDI-II, and BAI, the severity of the symptoms was in the order of Group 1, 2, and 3. In MMPI-2, there were no significant differences between Group 1 and 2, but Group 1 had higher psychopathic deviate, Schizophrenia, and Hypomania. In TCI, Group 1 was the most temperamental, followed by Group 2 and Group 3 was the least temperament. In PDQ-4+, schizoid, schizotypal, antisocial, and borderline personality disorder were higher in Group 1. Conclusion: In the Kernberg's borderline personality organization, Group 1 is close to the borderline and psychotic personality organization, Group 2 can be termed as borderline and neurotic personality organization. Group 3 can be termed as a neurotic personality organization.