These observational studies also showed positive correlations between early recognition of the disorder , stimulant treatment during childhood and favorable long-term outcome in adult ADHD patients .
In conclusion , stimulant therapy of ADHD has long-term beneficial effects and is well tolerated .
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is a common disorder of childhood that often persists into adulthood .
Although stimulant medications are recommended as the first-line treatment for ADHD because of their documented short-term effects in children and adults , less is known about their effects on long-term outcome in adults .
Here we review the long-term efficacy and safety of the stimulant drugs methylpheni date and amphetamine , as well as the related compound atomoxetine .
We performed a systematic review to identify direct and indirect effects of stimulant therapy on long-term outcome in adults .
Once-Daily Treatment With Atomoxetine in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Objectives : Atomoxetine ( ATX ) once daily was compared with placebo ( PBO ) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) at 12 and 24 weeks . Methods : Patients were r and omized to PBO ( n = 234 ) or ATX ( 60 - 100 mg ; n = 268 ) for 24 weeks following a 2-week on-label ( 40 mg for 3 days then 80 mg ) or slow ( 40 mg for 7 days then 80 mg ) titration . After 24 weeks , PBO patients were rer and omized to either ATX titration strategy . Efficacy measures included the Conners ' Adult ADHD Rating Scale Total ADHD Symptoms score , Clinical Global Impression-ADHD-Severity , Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale , and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory . General and titration safety measures and tolerability were evaluated . Results : Conners ' Adult ADHD Rating Scale Total ADHD Symptoms score reduction was greater with ATX over PBO at 12 weeks ( −14.33 vs −10.05 ; P < 0.001 ) and 24 weeks ( −16.43 vs −8.65 ; P < 0.001 ; effect size , 0.57 ) . Response ( 25 % decrease on Conners ' Adult ADHD Rating Scale Total ADHD Symptoms ) was greater for ATX ( 68 % ) than PBO ( 42 % ; P < 0.001 ) at 24 weeks . Clinical Global Impression-ADHD-Severity improvement was greater for ATX over PBO at 8 and 24 weeks ( P < 0.001 ; effect sizes , 0.45 and 0.46 , respectively ) . There were no significant changes in depressive or anxiety measures for either group . Discontinuation due to an adverse event was greater for on-label versus slow titration , although the rate of patients experiencing adverse events were comparable . Common adverse events included dry mouth , nausea , and decreased appetite . Conclusions : Atomoxetine demonstrated significant improvement in ADHD symptoms at 12 and 24 weeks over PBO . Adverse events overall and for on-label or slow titration to ATX were similar and consistent with previous adult ATX studies
These observational studies also showed positive correlations between early recognition of the disorder , stimulant treatment during childhood and favorable long-term outcome in adult ADHD patients .
In conclusion , stimulant therapy of ADHD has long-term beneficial effects and is well tolerated .
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is a common disorder of childhood that often persists into adulthood .
Although stimulant medications are recommended as the first-line treatment for ADHD because of their documented short-term effects in children and adults , less is known about their effects on long-term outcome in adults .
Here we review the long-term efficacy and safety of the stimulant drugs methylpheni date and amphetamine , as well as the related compound atomoxetine .
We performed a systematic review to identify direct and indirect effects of stimulant therapy on long-term outcome in adults .