Results The technology assessment was unable to differentiate between the various drugs in terms of efficacy , and its economic model was ultimately driven by cost differences .
While the assessment concluded that the economic model " clearly identified an optimal treatment strategy " with first-line dexamphetamine , the NICE appraisal committee subsequently found it impossible to distinguish between the different strategies on grounds of cost-effectiveness .
Background Health technology assessment s ( HTAs ) by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE ) enjoy high levels of international attention .
The present analysis addresses NICE 's appraisal of methylpheni date , atomoxetine and dexamphetamine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) in children and adolescents , published in March 2006 .
Time-response analysis of the effect of stimulant medication on the learning ability of children referred for hyperactivity.
This report introduces a method for obtaining behavioral time-response information for a short-acting psychotropic drug ( methylpheni date [ Ritalin ] ) that is widely used to treat behaviorally hyperactive children . We used a laboratory learning task to document that between one and two hours after the administration of a single dose of methylpheni date , the drug exerts its maximum effect on performance in a learning task in the laboratory . This effect on cognitive performance dissipates within the same day . This rapid and transient effect of methylpheni date makes it possible to classify patients in a single day into those who respond favorably and those who respond adversely to the drug in terms of its effect on cognitive behavior
Results The technology assessment was unable to differentiate between the various drugs in terms of efficacy , and its economic model was ultimately driven by cost differences .
While the assessment concluded that the economic model " clearly identified an optimal treatment strategy " with first-line dexamphetamine , the NICE appraisal committee subsequently found it impossible to distinguish between the different strategies on grounds of cost-effectiveness .
Background Health technology assessment s ( HTAs ) by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence ( NICE ) enjoy high levels of international attention .
The present analysis addresses NICE 's appraisal of methylpheni date , atomoxetine and dexamphetamine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) in children and adolescents , published in March 2006 .