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 One Year Trial of Methylphenidate in the Treatment of ADHD
Objective : To determine the effects of long-term methylpheni date treatment on symptom severity and social adjustment in adult ADHD . Method : Adults ( n = 116 ) meeting operational diagnostic criteria for ADHD ( the “ Utah Criteria ” ) entered a r and omized double-blind crossover trial of methylpheni date and placebo .  Participants who improved on immediate-release methylpheni date entered a 12-month , open-label trial . Outcomes were assessed using the Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale ( WRAADDS ) , Clinical Global Impression — Improvement ( CGI-I ) , global assessment of functioning ( GAF ) , and the Weissman Social Adjustment Scale ( WSAS ) . Results : In the double-blind trial more patients improved ( 50 % reduction of symptoms ) receiving methylpheni date ( 74 % ) than placebo ( 21 % , p = .001 ) . During the open-label trial , symptom severity decreased 80 % from baseline , and the WSAS decreased > 50 % in all subscales . The average GAF improved significantly ( p < .0001 ) . Conclusion : ADHD adults , who responded to methylpheni date in a short-tem , placebo-controlled trial , responded to long-term treatment with marked improvements in ADHD symptoms and psychosocial functioning
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 .