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 .
Twenty-four-week treatment with extended release methylphenidate improves emotional symptoms in adult ADHD
Abstract Objectives . Treatment investigations with methylpheni date in adults with ADHD focus preferentially on the classical psychopathology : inattention , hyperactivity and impulsivity . ADHD-associated emotional symptoms , which are frequently present at least in ADHD sub population s , were studied rarely . The vast majority of the placebo-controlled trials had observation periods between 4 and 8 weeks . To assess the medium- to long-term effects of extended release methylpheni date ( MPH-ER ) on emotional symptoms and other psychopathology frequently seen in ADHD patients , we conducted a large-scale , multicenter treatment study . Methods . We performed a r and omised , 24-week , double-blind , placebo-controlled study in adults with ADHD . The diagnosis was made on the basis of the DSM-IV criteria , which were confirmed by clinical history and a structured psychopathological interview and the use of rating instruments . 363 patients were r and omized to MPH-ER or placebo at a ratio of 2:1 . The duration of the titration period was 5 weeks followed by a maintainance phase of 19 weeks . The efficacy measures were the observer rated 10-item Emotional Dysregulation Scale ( EDS ) derived from the Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale ( WRAADDS ) and a self-report , six-item Emotional Lability Scale ( ELS ) extracted from the long version of the Conners Adult ADHD Self Report Scale ( CAARS : S : L ) . In addition we used the SCL-90-R for the assessment of ADHD associated and comorbid psychopathology . Results . MPH-ER was statistically superior to placebo in reducing emotional symptoms as assessed by the EDS and the ELS . Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and those of problems with self-concept declined until the end of the observation period . The decline was more pronounced in MPH-ER treated individuals . The effects remained robust during the entire maintenance period until week 24 . Symptoms of anxiety , depression , anger and hostility , phobia , paranoid ideations and psychoticism were not improved . Conclusions . MPH-ER appears to be an efficacious treatment for emotional symptoms with ADHD . Also obsessive-compulsive symptoms and problems with self-concept were affected positively
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 .