Is methylphenidate useful for treating adolescents with ADHD?

Abstract

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is effective in the shortterm treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, multiple randomized control trials). Though the immediate-release preparation is the best studied of methylphenidate formulations, extended-release methylphenidate (Concerta) has similar benefits, with a dosing regimen that may better suit an adolescent lifestyle (SOR: B, based on extrapolation of 1 randomized controlled trial and expert opinion).