Research article summary (published 29 Sep 2002):

Comparative efficacy of Adderall and methylphenidate in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis.

Full Abstract

Because methylphenidate is currently the most widely prescribed medication for attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, several studies have used it as the active comparator medication for evaluating the efficacy of a newer stimulant, Adderall. These prior studies show Adderall to be superior to placebo and suggest it is at least as effective as the standard-release form of methylphenidate and has a longer duration of action. Although these initial studies provide useful information for clinicians treating children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, they are difficult to interpret because findings vary among studies and among the different types of measures used within each study. To provide a clearer picture of what conclusions can be drawn from these studies, we performed a meta-analysis. Data from the four available studies suggest that Adderall has a small but statistically significant advantage over the standard-release form of methylphenidate. This advantage was observed for both symptom measures and global ratings but was strongest for global ratings. The effect of Adderall was significant for clinician and parent ratings but not for teacher ratings and was significant for both fixed-dose and best-dose designs.

Author information

Author/s: Faraone, Stephen V (SV); Biederman, Joseph (J); Roe, Christine (C);

Affiliation: Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit of the Child Psychiatry Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. sfaraone(-atsign-)hms.harvard.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Meta-Analysis; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of clinical psychopharmacology (J Clin Psychopharmacol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Oct; vol 22 (issue 5) : pp 468-73

Dates: Created 2002/09/27; Completed 2002/11/19; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12352269, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Evid Based Ment Health. 2003 May;6(2):43. (PMID: 12719350)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Adolescent Amphetamines - administration & dosage; pharmacokinetics; therapeutic use Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy Central Nervous System Stimulants - administration & dosage; pharmacokinetics; therapeutic use Child Child, Preschool

Child, Preschool Female Humans Male Methylphenidate - administration & dosage; pharmacokinetics; therapeutic use Treatment Outcome

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Adderall (0) ; Amphetamines (0) ; Central Nervous System Stimulants (0) ; Methylphenidate (113-45-1)

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