Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the efficacy of stimulants to treat attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults.
DATA SOURCES: The relevant pharmaceutical manufacturers were contacted, and searches of MEDLINE (1966–December 2002) and the reference sections of each article obtained were performed using the key search terms: adult ADHD, stimulants, methylphenidate, amphetamines, and pemoline.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language original studies identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in the review.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Studies involving methylphenidate, amphetamines, and pemoline were identified. There was evidence for the efficacy of amphetamines from 5 studies (4 controlled, 1 open). Methylphenidate data from 6 controlled trials were conflicting. Three studies indicated efficacy; 2 studies failed to show efficacy, possibly due to methodologic reasons; and the results from 1 study were conflicting. The limited data from 1 controlled and 1 open study indicated that pemoline may be less effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
CONCLUSIONS: While the current limited data indicate that stimulants may be effective in adult ADHD, more data are required to confirm long-term efficacy
DATA SOURCES: The relevant pharmaceutical manufacturers were contacted, and searches of MEDLINE (1966–December 2002) and the reference sections of each article obtained were performed using the key search terms: adult ADHD, stimulants, methylphenidate, amphetamines, and pemoline.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language original studies identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in the review.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Studies involving methylphenidate, amphetamines, and pemoline were identified. There was evidence for the efficacy of amphetamines from 5 studies (4 controlled, 1 open). Methylphenidate data from 6 controlled trials were conflicting. Three studies indicated efficacy; 2 studies failed to show efficacy, possibly due to methodologic reasons; and the results from 1 study were conflicting. The limited data from 1 controlled and 1 open study indicated that pemoline may be less effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
CONCLUSIONS: While the current limited data indicate that stimulants may be effective in adult ADHD, more data are required to confirm long-term efficacy
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1884-1890 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Annals of Pharmacotherapy |
| Volume | 37 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2003 |
Keywords
- stimulants
- amphetamines
- attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity
- central nervous system Stimulants
- chi-square distribution
- clinical trials as topic
- humans
- pemoline
- adult ADHD