Methylphenidate Tied to Improved ADHD Symptoms in Kids

By Kelly Young

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD, and André Sofair, MD, MPH

Methylphenidate may help improve symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents, according to a Cochrane meta-analysis published in the BMJ.

Researchers analyzed the results of 185 randomized trials comparing methylphenidate with placebo in 12,000 patients aged 3 to 21 years with ADHD. Few trials lasted more than 6 months.

Methylphenidate was associated with clinically meaningful improvement in teacher-reported ADHD symptoms. Over a quarter of patients experienced non-serious adverse events — most commonly loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping — but there was no elevated risk for serious adverse events.

The authors note that all trials had a high risk for bias. Therefore, they say that the magnitude of effects could not be estimated.

Editorialists conclude: "This latest systematic review and meta-analysis is yet another reminder that we need a more meaningful research agenda ... to test the long term consequences of treatments for ADHD. For now, the jury is still out."