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 .
OROS methylphenidate in the treatment of adults with ADHD: a 6-month, open-label, follow-up study.
BACKGROUND This open-label trial followed a previously reported r and omized , placebo-controlled trial of osmotic release oral system ( OROS ) methylpheni date ( MPH ) for the treatment of personality disorder ( PD ) . Important findings from the double-blind phase are reexamined for long-term significance . METHODS Of 41 patients who completed the double-blind , placebo-controlled trial , 34 continued into this open-label phase . The Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale ( WRAADDS ) measured outcome . Patients were categorized using previously defined attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) groups : ADHD alone , ADHD with emotional dysregulation ( ADHD + ED ) , and ADHD plus emotional dysregulation plus oppositional symptoms ( ADHD + ED + ODD ) ; and 3 post hoc personality categories : patients with no PD ( PD-negative ) , patients with 1 PD ( PD-positive ) , and patients meeting criteria for 2 or more PDs ( PD-plus ) . RESULTS Three WRAADDS-defined ADHD dimensions improved at similar levels ( attention + disorganization , 61 % ; hyperactivity + impulsivity , 60 % ; and emotional dysregulation , 66 % ) . All ADHD subgroups ( ADHD alone , ADHD + ED , and ADHD + ED + ODD ) improved . ADHD + ED + ODD patients had the highest level of social maladjustment at baseline and showed the most long-term improvement in this area . PD-plus patients were less likely to complete the study or show improvement . Sixty-five percent of treatment responders were on moderate doses ( < or = 54 mg/d ) of OROS MPH .  Vital signs and ECGs did not differ from baseline . CONCLUSIONS Eighteen ( 44 % ) patients completed the trial . All 3 ADHD dimensions showed similar , well-maintained improvement . Patients with several PDs responded poorly to treatment in this small trial
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 .