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How well do stimulant drugs work for treating teenagers and adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects up to ten percent of children and a smaller number of teenagers and adults in the United States. Although no one knows the cause of ADHD and there isn’t a cure, there are treatments for the symptoms. Stimulant medicines, the most common drugs used to treat ADHD, work by stimulating the brain and increasing mental concentration, memory and behavior. The benefits in teens and adults with ADHD include better school and work-related abilities and improved family relations.

Studies of teenagers with ADHD have only tested one stimulant, methylphenidate. Results show that between 30 and 70 percent of teenagers ages 13 to 17 benefited from the drug.

Studies show that an average of 54 percent of adults with ADHD responded to stimulant drugs. Stimulant medicines used to treat adults include methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin or Concerta), amphetamine salts (Adderall), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). Direct comparisons of methylphenidate, amphetamine salts, and dextroamphetamine haven’t shown any major differences in the effectiveness or side effects of these drugs.

Sources:
Paterson, R. "A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Dexamphetamine In Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder," Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 33 (1999 ).
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Spencer, T. "Pharmacotherapy Of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Across The Life-Cycle," The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 35 (1996).
Concerta Product Information, Alza Corporation, 2007.
Diseases and Conditions, “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder/ADHD.” http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/10/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 8/7/2000.
This information updated 1/10/2007.