Authors' objectives:

Are ADHD symptoms positively affected, in adult patients with ADHD, treated with methylphenidate or its derivatives, compared with placebo?

Authors' recommendations: Short-term treatment with methylphenidate or its derivatives has a significantly better effect than placebo on ADHD symptoms, in adult patients with ADHD diagnosis (evidence level 2, moderately strong scientific evidence). Effect size is considered moderate and data on long-term effects are lacking. Side effects are considered to be acceptable, with a question mark regarding abuse risk. The target population is considered to be large, and the drugs are relatively expensive. Moreover, the identification of the right patients for treatment will require an extensive and costly diagnostic workup. Introduction of the treatment is expected to generate an annual cost of 50-70 million SEK, which may create significant risks of displacement within psychiatry. There is a great need for long-term studies.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2008

URL for published report: http://www.sahlgrenska.se/upload/SU/HTA-centrum/HTA-rapporter/HTA-projekt%20%20ADHD%20samlad%202011-11-22.pdf

URL for additional information: http://www.sahlgrenska.se/sv/SU/Forskning/HTA-centrum/Hogerkolumn-undersidor/Publicerade-rapporter/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Organisation Name: The Regional Health Technology Assessment Centre

Contact Address: The Regional Health Technology Assessment Centre, Region Vastra Gotaland, HTA-centrum, Roda Straket 8, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset, 413 45 GOTHENBORG, Sweden

Contact Name: hta-centrum@vgregion.se

Contact Email: hta-centrum@vgregion.se

Copyright: The Regional Health Technology Assessment Centre (HTA-centrum), Region Vastra Gotaland