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 .
A Randomized, 3-Phase, 34-Week, Double-Blind, Long-Term Efficacy Study of Osmotic-Release Oral System-Methylphenidate in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
We conducted a 3-phase , double-blind , placebo-controlled , parallel study design of osmotic-release oral system (OROS)-methylpheni date ( MPH ) in adults ( 19 - 60 years of age ) with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder as classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fourth Edition . Phase 1 of the study was a 6-week , acute efficacy trial ( n = 223 ) , phase 2 was a 24-week , double-blind continuation study of responders ( n = 96 ) , and phase 3 was a double-blind , placebo-controlled , 4-week discontinuation study ( n = 23 ) . The mean daily dosage at phase 1 endpoint was 78.4 ± 31.7 mg ( 0.97 ± 0.32 mg/kg ) OROS-MPH and 96.6 ± 26.5 mg ( 1.16 ± 0.19 mg/kg ) placebo ( P < 0.0001 ) . Clinical response at phase 1 endpoint was significantly greater in the OROS-MPH group ( 62 % , n = 67 vs 37 % , n = 41 ; P < 0.001 ) and was maintained throughout 24 weeks of double-blind treatment . With double-blind , placebo-controlled discontinuation , however , there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of relapse between OROS-MPH responders r and omized to placebo and those r and omized to continue active treatment ( 18 % , n = 2 vs 0 % , n = 0 ; P = 0.1 ) . As expected , decreased appetite , insomnia , being tense/jittery , mucosal dryness , and neurological symptoms were statistically significantly associated with OROS-MPH treatment . More work is needed to be conducted with larger sample s being followed to study completion to better underst and the long-lasting impact of pharmacotherapy for adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
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 .