Efficacy of Stimulants in Adult ADHD

Abstract

While the current limited data indicate that stimulants may be effective in adult ADHD, more data are required to confirm long-term efficacy.

Pharmacological Treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults

“…Also, in adolescence, medication has been reported to improve aggression associated with CD and ODD [80]. Studies on adults are, in general, consistent with those in children [81], although not all the studies of MPH in adults have demonstrated efficacy [82].…”

“…It was concluded that stimulants (as well as some other medications) produce 'clinically and statistically beneficial effects,' but absence of long-term studies was noted. Although 3 studies of MPH failed to demonstrate efficacy [82], a recent meta-analysis found 'strong support for the assertion that MPH is efficacious for treating adult ADHD' [94]. Moreover, beneficial effects of MPH on cognition [95][96][97] and driving performance [98] has been reported in adults.…”

Efficacy of Methylphenidate for Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

“…[7,[9][10][11][12]14] The last search was performed on 1 February 2010. There were no date of publication or language restrictions.…”

“…[1] In adulthood, ADHD is associated with work difficulties, [2] psychosocial impairment [3] and an increased risk of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders (SUDs). [4][5][6] Although methylphenidate is usually recommended as one of the first pharmacological options for the treatment of adult ADHD, [7,8] the clinical trials that have investigated the efficacy of methylphenidate have shown a wide variability of results, ranging from no effect to large improvement, [7,9] which has become manifest in heterogeneous results in meta-analyses. [10][11][12] The reasons for this variability have not been comprehensively investigated and could include dose, type of drug release, dose regimen and treatment length.…”

Neurocognitive effects of methylphenidate in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

“…Methylphenidate, a dopaminergic and noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor, is currently the treatment of choice for ADHD in children and adults (Solanto 1998;Kinsbourne et al 2001;Maidment 2003;Faraone et al 2004). It has been established that children with ADHD show improvements in performance on tests of executive function, attention and vigilance following stimulant medication (Rapoport et al 1980;Solanto 1998;Kempton et al 1999;Mehta et al 2004).…”