Meta-analysis challenges guideline recommendations for treating adult ADHD

Results of a new meta-analysis challenge current guidelines recommending methylphenidate (MPH) as first-line treatment in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Comparing the new findings with those of a previous meta-analysis, [...]
* New meta-analysis challenges recommendations for MPH as first-line treatment for adult ADHD. * The methods and findings are compared with those of a previous meta-analysis. * The new meta-analysis finds smaller MPH effect sizes, no significant association between MPH mean daily dose and effect size, no advantage of observer- versus self-rated measures, lack of MPH efficacy in adults with ADHD and comorbid substance abuse, and questionable comparability of MPH efficacy between children and adults. * High-quality head-to-head trials with other treatment options are needed to assess MPH as first-line treatment for adult ADHD, the authors conclude.