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 .
Long-term efficacy and safety outcomes with OROS-MPH in adults with ADHD
Methylpheni date ( MPH ) is widely prescribed for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) , but data on long-term treatment and maintenance of effect are lacking . Osmotic release oral system-methylpheni date ( OROS – MPH ) was evaluated in a 52-wk open-label study in subjects who had previously completed a short-term placebo-controlled trial and short-term open-label extension .  Efficacy was assessed using the investigator- and subject-rated Conners ’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales ( CAARS : O-SV and CAARS : S-S ) , and the Clinical Global Impression – Severity ( CGI-S ) , Sheehan Disability Scale ( SDS ) and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Question naire ( Q-LES-Q ) . Subjects completing ≥52 wk of treatment were eligible for a 4-wk r and omized , placebo-controlled withdrawal phase in which loss of treatment effect was assessed using CAARS : O-SV and CGI-S. In the open-label phase ( n=156 ) , mean CAARS : O-SV score decreased from baseline by 1.9±7.8 ( p<0.01 ) , and small , statistically significant improvements from baseline were observed for CAARS : S-S , CGI-S and SDS . In the double-blind phase ( OROS-MPH , n=23 ; placebo , n=22 ) , CAARS : O-SV increased from double-blind baseline in the OROS-MPH and placebo arms ( 4.0±7.6 vs. 6.5±7.8 , not statistically significant ) . Long-term OROS-MPH treatment was well tolerated , and there was no evidence of withdrawal or rebound after discontinuation . In conclusion , the short-term benefits of OROS-MPH continue during long-term open-label treatment . Maintenance of efficacy in a placebo-controlled withdrawal design remains to be confirmed in larger patient population
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 .