1
|
Ryst E, Childress A. An updated safety review of the current drugs for managing ADHD in children. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2023; 22:1025-1040. [PMID: 37843488 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2271392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent condition that causes persistent problems with attention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity and often results in significant impairment when left untreated. Medications for this disorder continue to evolve and provide new treatment options. Ongoing review of related medication safety and tolerability remains an important task for prescribers. AREAS COVERED This manuscript provides an updated safety review of medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. PubMed and OneSearch online databases were utilized to search for literature relevant to the topic of ADHD medications and safety. Clinical trials of medications used to treat ADHD, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and articles covering specific safety issues (adverse or unfavorable events) such as cardiovascular effects, seizures, impact on growth, depression, suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, psychosis, and tics are described. EXPERT OPINION Available pharmacologic treatments for ADHD have favorable efficacy, safety and tolerability and allow many patients to achieve significant improvement of their symptoms. Despite the availability of multiple stimulant and non-stimulant formulations, some individuals with ADHD may not tolerate available medications or attain satisfactory improvement. To satisfy unmet clinical needs, ADHD pharmaceutical research with stimulant and nonstimulant formulations targeting dopamine, norepinephrine, and novel receptors is ongoing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ryst
- College of Education and Human Development, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Ann Childress
- Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Inc, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Storebø OJ, Storm MRO, Pereira Ribeiro J, Skoog M, Groth C, Callesen HE, Schaug JP, Darling Rasmussen P, Huus CML, Zwi M, Kirubakaran R, Simonsen E, Gluud C. Methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 3:CD009885. [PMID: 36971690 PMCID: PMC10042435 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009885.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated psychiatric disorders in childhood. Typically, children and adolescents with ADHD find it difficult to pay attention and they are hyperactive and impulsive. Methylphenidate is the psychostimulant most often prescribed, but the evidence on benefits and harms is uncertain. This is an update of our comprehensive systematic review on benefits and harms published in 2015. OBJECTIVES To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of methylphenidate for children and adolescents with ADHD. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases and two trials registers up to March 2022. In addition, we checked reference lists and requested published and unpublished data from manufacturers of methylphenidate. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing methylphenidate versus placebo or no intervention in children and adolescents aged 18 years and younger with a diagnosis of ADHD. The search was not limited by publication year or language, but trial inclusion required that 75% or more of participants had a normal intellectual quotient (IQ > 70). We assessed two primary outcomes, ADHD symptoms and serious adverse events, and three secondary outcomes, adverse events considered non-serious, general behaviour, and quality of life. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessment for each trial. Six review authors including two review authors from the original publication participated in the update in 2022. We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Data from parallel-group trials and first-period data from cross-over trials formed the basis of our primary analyses. We undertook separate analyses using end-of-last period data from cross-over trials. We used Trial Sequential Analyses (TSA) to control for type I (5%) and type II (20%) errors, and we assessed and downgraded evidence according to the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 212 trials (16,302 participants randomised); 55 parallel-group trials (8104 participants randomised), and 156 cross-over trials (8033 participants randomised) as well as one trial with a parallel phase (114 participants randomised) and a cross-over phase (165 participants randomised). The mean age of participants was 9.8 years ranging from 3 to 18 years (two trials from 3 to 21 years). The male-female ratio was 3:1. Most trials were carried out in high-income countries, and 86/212 included trials (41%) were funded or partly funded by the pharmaceutical industry. Methylphenidate treatment duration ranged from 1 to 425 days, with a mean duration of 28.8 days. Trials compared methylphenidate with placebo (200 trials) and with no intervention (12 trials). Only 165/212 trials included usable data on one or more outcomes from 14,271 participants. Of the 212 trials, we assessed 191 at high risk of bias and 21 at low risk of bias. If, however, deblinding of methylphenidate due to typical adverse events is considered, then all 212 trials were at high risk of bias. PRIMARY OUTCOMES methylphenidate versus placebo or no intervention may improve teacher-rated ADHD symptoms (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.88 to -0.61; I² = 38%; 21 trials; 1728 participants; very low-certainty evidence). This corresponds to a mean difference (MD) of -10.58 (95% CI -12.58 to -8.72) on the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS; range 0 to 72 points). The minimal clinically relevant difference is considered to be a change of 6.6 points on the ADHD-RS. Methylphenidate may not affect serious adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.67; I² = 0%; 26 trials, 3673 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The TSA-adjusted intervention effect was RR 0.91 (CI 0.31 to 2.68). SECONDARY OUTCOMES methylphenidate may cause more adverse events considered non-serious versus placebo or no intervention (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.37; I² = 72%; 35 trials 5342 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The TSA-adjusted intervention effect was RR 1.22 (CI 1.08 to 1.43). Methylphenidate may improve teacher-rated general behaviour versus placebo (SMD -0.62, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.33; I² = 68%; 7 trials 792 participants; very low-certainty evidence), but may not affect quality of life (SMD 0.40, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.83; I² = 81%; 4 trials, 608 participants; very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The majority of our conclusions from the 2015 version of this review still apply. Our updated meta-analyses suggest that methylphenidate versus placebo or no-intervention may improve teacher-rated ADHD symptoms and general behaviour in children and adolescents with ADHD. There may be no effects on serious adverse events and quality of life. Methylphenidate may be associated with an increased risk of adverse events considered non-serious, such as sleep problems and decreased appetite. However, the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes is very low and therefore the true magnitude of effects remain unclear. Due to the frequency of non-serious adverse events associated with methylphenidate, the blinding of participants and outcome assessors is particularly challenging. To accommodate this challenge, an active placebo should be sought and utilised. It may be difficult to find such a drug, but identifying a substance that could mimic the easily recognised adverse effects of methylphenidate would avert the unblinding that detrimentally affects current randomised trials. Future systematic reviews should investigate the subgroups of patients with ADHD that may benefit most and least from methylphenidate. This could be done with individual participant data to investigate predictors and modifiers like age, comorbidity, and ADHD subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ole Jakob Storebø
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Maria Skoog
- Clinical Study Support, Clinical Studies Sweden - Forum South, Lund, Sweden
| | - Camilla Groth
- Pediatric Department, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Morris Zwi
- Islington Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Whittington Health, London, UK
| | - Richard Kirubakaran
- Cochrane India-CMC Vellore Affiliate, Prof. BV Moses Centre for Evidence Informed Healthcare and Health Policy, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Erik Simonsen
- Research Unit, Mental Health services, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital ─ Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boesen K, Paludan-Müller AS, Gøtzsche PC, Jørgensen KJ. Extended-release methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 2:CD012857. [PMID: 35201607 PMCID: PMC8869321 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012857.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric diagnosis increasingly used in adults. The recommended first-line pharmacological treatment is central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, such as methylphenidate, but uncertainty remains about its benefits and harms. OBJECTIVES To assess the beneficial and harmful effects of extended-release formulations of methylphenidate in adults diagnosed with ADHD. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, nine other databases and four clinical trial registries up to February 2021. We searched 12 drug regulatory databases for clinical trial data up to 13 May 2020. In addition, we cross-referenced all available trial identifiers, handsearched reference lists, searched pharmaceutical company databases, and contacted trial authors. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trials comparing extended-release methylphenidate formulations at any dose versus placebo and other ADHD medications in adults diagnosed with ADHD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data. We assessed dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs), and rating scales and continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs). We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess risks of bias, and GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. We meta-analysed the data using a random-effects model. We assessed three design characteristics that may impair the trial results' 'generalisability'; exclusion of participants with psychiatric comorbidity; responder selection based on previous experience with CNS stimulants; and risk of withdrawal effects. Our prespecified primary outcomes were functional outcomes, self-rated ADHD symptoms, and serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes included quality of life, ADHD symptoms rated by investigators and by peers such as family members, cardiovascular variables, severe psychiatric adverse events, and other adverse events. MAIN RESULTS We included 24 trials (5066 participants), of which 21 reported outcome data for this review. We also identified one ongoing study. We included documents from six drug regulatory agencies covering eight trials. Twenty-one trials had an outpatient setting and three were conducted in prisons. They were primarily conducted in North America and Europe. The median participant age was 36 years. Twelve trials (76% of participants) were industry-sponsored, four (14% of participants) were publicly funded with industry involvement, seven (10% of participants) were publicly funded, and one had unclear funding. The median trial duration was eight weeks. One trial was rated at overall unclear risk of bias and 20 trials were rated at overall high risk of bias, primarily due to unclear blinding of participants and investigators, attrition bias, and selective outcome reporting. All trials were impaired in at least one of the three design characteristics related to 'generalisability'; for example, they excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity such as depression or anxiety, or included participants only with a previous positive response to methylphenidate, or similar drugs. This may limit the trials' usefulness for clinical practice, as they may overestimate the benefits and underestimate the harms. Extended-release methylphenidate versus placebo (up to 26 weeks) For the primary outcomes, we found very low-certainty evidence that methylphenidate had no effect on 'days missed at work' at 13-week follow-up (mean difference (MD) -0.15 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.11 to 1.81; 1 trial, 409 participants) or serious adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 1.43, CI 95% CI 0.85 to 2.43; 14 trials, 4078 participants), whereas methylphenidate improved self-rated ADHD symptoms (small-to-moderate effect; SMD -0.37, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.30; 16 trials, 3799 participants). For secondary outcomes, we found very low-certainty evidence that methylphenidate improved self-rated quality of life (small effect; SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.05; 6 trials, 1888 participants), investigator-rated ADHD symptoms (small-to-moderate effect; SMD -0.42, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.36; 18 trials, 4183 participants), ADHD symptoms rated by peers such as family members (small-to-moderate effect; SMD -0.31, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.14; 3 trials, 1005 participants), and increased the risk of experiencing any adverse event (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.37; 14 trials, 4214 participants). We rated the certainty of the evidence as 'very low' for all outcomes, primarily due to high risk of bias and 'indirectness of the evidence'. One trial (419 participants) had follow-up at 52 weeks and two trials (314 participants) included active comparators, hence long-term and comparative evidence is limited. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found very low-certainty evidence that extended-release methylphenidate compared to placebo improved ADHD symptoms (small-to-moderate effects) measured on rating scales reported by participants, investigators, and peers such as family members. Methylphenidate had no effect on 'days missed at work' or serious adverse events, the effect on quality of life was small, and it increased the risk of several adverse effects. We rated the certainty of the evidence as 'very low' for all outcomes, due to high risk of bias, short trial durations, and limitations to the generalisability of the results. The benefits and harms of extended-release methylphenidate therefore remain uncertain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Boesen
- Meta-Research Innovation Center Berlin (METRIC-B), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, QUEST Center for Responsible Research, Berlin, Germany
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet Dept 7811, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Asger Sand Paludan-Müller
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Exploratory Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Karsten Juhl Jørgensen
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient data Exploratory Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pereira Ribeiro J, Arthur EJ, Gluud C, Simonsen E, Storebø OJ. Does Methylphenidate Work in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Pediatr Rep 2021; 13:434-443. [PMID: 34449694 PMCID: PMC8396049 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric13030050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric disorder diagnosed in increasing proportions of children and adolescents. The psychostimulant methylphenidate has been considered the first-line pharmacological treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD for more than 60 years. Considering recent publications on methylphenidate for ADHD, we here give an overview of its effects in children and adolescents with ADHD, elicited by a well-disputed Cochrane review and narratively synthesise the evidence in the field. METHOD We searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses that investigated methylphenidate as an intervention for children and adolescence with ADHD compared with placebo or no treatment. We assessed the quality of the evidence using AMSTAR II. RESULTS We found 24 eligible systematic reviews and meta-analyses of which 11 were rated as high- quality evidence according to AMSTAR II. The evidence claiming that methylphenidate is beneficial in treating children and adolescents with ADHD was of very low certainty. The underreporting of adverse events in randomised clinical trials may impede an adequate depiction of the balance between benefits and harms. CONCLUSIONS It appears that there is uncertain evidence on group-level to support the claim that methylphenidate is beneficial in treating children and adolescents with ADHD. Future randomised clinical trials and systematic reviews should include individual participant data, which would allow us to assess intervention effects across modifiers, like age, sex, ADHD subtypes, comorbidities, and dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Pereira Ribeiro
- Center for Evidence-Based Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry Region Zealand, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark; (J.P.R.); (E.J.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Emma Jasmine Arthur
- Center for Evidence-Based Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry Region Zealand, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark; (J.P.R.); (E.J.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Christian Gluud
- Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- The Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Simonsen
- Center for Evidence-Based Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry Region Zealand, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark; (J.P.R.); (E.J.A.); (E.S.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Jakob Storebø
- Center for Evidence-Based Psychiatry, Psychiatric Research Unit, Psychiatry Region Zealand, 4200 Slagelse, Denmark; (J.P.R.); (E.J.A.); (E.S.)
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatry Region Zealand, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gesser-Edelsburg A, Hamade Boukai R. Does the education system serve as a persuasion agent for recommending ADHD diagnosis and medication uptake? A qualitative case study to identify and characterize the persuasion strategies of Israeli teachers and school counselors. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:153. [PMID: 31101094 PMCID: PMC6525420 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a steady rise in the use of medication by Israeli school children to treat ADHD, partly due to what seems like school teachers' and counselors' tendency to express positive attitudes towards its use. Therfore it is important to examine the involvement of the school teachers and counselors in the parents' decision-making about giving their children medication. METHODS This study used a qualitative constructivist research method of semi-structured interviews. It included individual interviews with 36 teachers and school counselors and 11 parents of students ages 9-14 from the Jewish and Arab populations. RESULTS Teachers and school counselors use different strategies to encourage parents to have their children diagnosed for ADHD and medicated. First they suggest diagnosis as a necessary step in the best interest of the child, distinguishing between diagnosis and medication to mitigate parents' concerns. In the second stage, teachers normalize the use of medication, as well as framing it as a drug that provides not only a medical treatment but also emotional wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Teachers and counselors are involved in parents' decision-making process about medicating their children to treat ADHD, which contradicts the education system's guidelines. It is necessary to set clear and explicit limits and guidelines for education system employees so that they do not cross professional and ethical limits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anat Gesser-Edelsburg
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, 3498838, Haifa, Israel. .,The Health and Risk Communication Research Center, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Rasha Hamade Boukai
- 0000 0004 1937 0562grid.18098.38School of Public Health, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave. Mount Carmel, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): progress and controversy in diagnosis and treatment. Ir J Psychol Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2018.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is rapidly accumulating. Recent advances in diagnosis, genetics, neuroimaging, drug and non-drug treatments are considered, and the results are related to the critical attack on the ADHD diagnosis, which argues it a medicalising social construct, unhelpfully sustaining power relationships. The advances reviewed suggest that, while this attack can be conclusively dismissed as wrong and misleading, the phenomenological definition of ADHD is no longer sufficient for construct validity, though continues to be valuable as a guide for clinicians. The humanising and individualising concerns underlying the attack on the diagnosis could usefully be redirected to improving effective measurement of patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Fife D, Cepeda MS, Baseman A, Richards H, Hu P, Starr HL, Sena AG. Medication changes after switching from CONCERTA® brand methylphenidate HCl to a generic long-acting formulation: A retrospective database study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193453. [PMID: 29489906 PMCID: PMC5831385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Observational studies of switching from branded to generic formulations of the same drug substance often lack appropriate comparators for the subjects who switched. Three generic formulations were deemed equivalent to Concerta: an authorized generic (AG) identical except for external packaging, and two other generics (EG). Objective Compare the incidence of a combined endpoint (switching back to Concerta, changing the use of immediate release methylphenidate (MPH), stopping all long-acting methylphenidate, or starting a new medication) among people switched from Concerta to the AG versus the EG. Methods Cohort study from the Truven CCAE database of people aged 6 to 65 diagnosed with ADHD, treated with Concerta, and switched to the EG or to the AG formulation. Results In the EG arm 24.6% and in the AG arm 19.7% of subjects switched back to Concerta. The proportion of subjects meeting the combined endpoint was 39.5% in the EG arm, 32.9% in the AG arm, a crude risk ratio of 1.20 (95% CI 0.94, 1.54). After adjustment by propensity score stratification, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.23 (95% CI 0.90, 1.70). In an unplanned analysis using a different method of adjustment, the adjusted OR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.69, 1.44). Discussion This study did not detect a difference between the proportion of people who met the study endpoint in the two study arms, i.e. between those who switched to a generic formulation that was identical to Concerta except for external packaging and those who switched to the comparison generics. The high incidence of the combined endpoint in the AG arm demonstrates the need for an appropriate comparator in studies of this type. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02730572
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fife
- Epidemiology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - M. Soledad Cepeda
- Epidemiology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States of America
| | - Alan Baseman
- Global Medical Safety, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Horsham, PA, United States of America
| | - Henry Richards
- Established Products, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States of America
| | - Peter Hu
- Clinical Biostatistics, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Raritan, NJ, United States of America
| | - H. Lynn Starr
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States of America
| | - Anthony G. Sena
- Epidemiology, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Methylphenidate selectively modulates one sub-component of the no-go P3 in pediatric ADHD medication responders. Biol Psychol 2018; 134:30-38. [PMID: 29476840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH) has been shown to modulate the amplitude of the no-go P3 component of the event-related potential (ERP; Øgrim, Aasen, & Brunner, 2016). Using group independent component analysis, the no-go P3 from a cued go/no-go task has been separated into two sub-components (Brunner et al., 2013). This study investigated whether sub-components of the no-go P3 could be identified in children with ADHD, and how MPH modulates their amplitudes. ERPs were registered twice (on/off MPH) in 57 children with ADHD classified as medication responders in a four-week medication trial. Two no-go P3 sub-components were identified. In the MPH session, the amplitude of one sub-component, the IC P3no-goearly (mean latency 378 ms, with a central distribution), was significantly larger than at baseline, whereas the other sub-component, the IC P3no-golate (mean latency 428 ms, with a centro-frontal distribution), was not significantly affected. These results add to the literature documenting that the no-go P3 consists of two overlapping phenomena with different functional correlates.
Collapse
|
9
|
Boesen K, Saiz LC, Erviti J, Storebø OJ, Gluud C, Gøtzsche PC, Jørgensen KJ. The Cochrane Collaboration withdraws a review on methylphenidate for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22:143-147. [PMID: 28705922 PMCID: PMC5537554 DOI: 10.1136/ebmed-2017-110716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A Cochrane systematic review on immediate-release methylphenidate for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was withdrawn from the Cochrane Library on 26 May 2016 after substantial criticism of its methods and flawed conclusions. Retraction of scientific papers on this basis is unusual but can be necessary. We provide a summary of the criticism that led to the withdrawal. We detail the methodological flaws of the withdrawn Cochrane systematic review and general issues of bias and shortcomings of the included ADHD trials: cross-over designs compared with parallel-group designs, exclusion of participants with psychiatric comorbidity, absence of 'functional outcomes' and use of clinical outcomes with limited relevance, short trial duration and small trial populations, broken blinding caused by easily recognisable side effects, combining outcome assessments by trial investigators and participants, outcome reporting bias, poor evaluation of cardiovascular and psychiatric harms and conflicts of interest of trialists and systematic reviewers. The withdrawal of the Cochrane systematic review signals recognition of previous unreliable clinical ADHD research. We conclude that clinical trials of immediate-release methylphenidate in adults with ADHD are of very low quality. We urgently need well-conducted long-term trials free of bias to assess the benefits and harms of central stimulant treatment in adult ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Boesen
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luis Carlos Saiz
- Drug Prescribing Unit, Navarre Regional Health Service, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Erviti
- Drug Prescribing Unit, Navarre Regional Health Service, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ole Jakob Storebø
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Methylphenidate use and school performance among primary school children: a descriptive study. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:116. [PMID: 28356095 PMCID: PMC5371237 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1279-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no conclusive evidence that stimulants have beneficial effects on major associated outcome parameters, particularly school performance. We assessed the differences in school performance among children using methylphenidate at the end of primary school in relation to various parameters of methylphenidate use. METHODS We linked children from a pharmacy prescription database with standardized achievement test results at the end of primary school. We explored differences in test scores between current methylphenidate users versus never users and methylphenidate users who stopped treatment at least 6 months before the test, early versus late starters, different dosage of methylphenidate, and concurrent antipsychotic or asthma treatment. RESULTS Out of the 7736 children, 377 (4.9%) children were treated with methylphenidate at the time of the test. After adjusting for confounders the methylphenidate users (532.58 ± .48) performed significantly lower on the test than never users (534.72 ± .11). Compared with late starters of methylphenidate treatment (536.94 ± 1.51) we found significantly lower test scores for the early starters (532.33 ± .50). CONCLUSION Our study indicates that children using methylphenidate still perform less at school compared to their peers. Our study also suggests that earlier start of methylphenidate treatment is associated with a lower school performance compared to children starting later with the treatment. This result could either indicate a limited effect of long term treatment or a more strongly affected group of early starters.
Collapse
|
11
|
Banaschewski T, Becker K, Döpfner M, Holtmann M, Rösler M, Romanos M. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 114:149-159. [PMID: 28351467 PMCID: PMC5378980 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, early-onset, persistent developmental disorder of childhood and adolescence, with a prevalence of approximately 5%. METHODS This article is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed with an emphasis on pertinent guidelines and systematic reviews. RESULTS At least 75% of affected children and adolescents develop a comorbid disorder, which impedes diagnosis and treatment and worsens prognosis. The etiology of ADHD is complex and heterogeneous, involving a major genetic component and diverse neurobiological alterations. Prenatal environmental factors also seem to elevate the risk of ADHD. The mainstays of treatment are psychoeducation, behavioral therapy, and psychoactive drugs, which generally have only mild side effects, such as insomnia or decreased appetite. The indication for treatment in the individual case is based on severity, comorbidity, previous therapy attempts, and the familial, social, and educational framework conditions. CONCLUSION Translational research is needed to clarify the etiology of ADHD. Epidemiological studies published since 1987 do not reveal any increase in the prevalence of ADHD among children and adolescents. Improved diagnosis necessitates an evidence-based and need-adapted approach to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Banaschewski
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katja Becker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Philipps University, Marburg
| | - Manfred Döpfner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne
| | - Martin Holtmann
- LWL University Hospital Hamm, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ruhr University Bochum
| | - Michael Rösler
- Department of Forensic Psychology and Psychiatry, Saarland University
| | - Marcel Romanos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
What are the benefits of methylphenidate as a treatment for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 9:1-3. [DOI: 10.1007/s12402-017-0220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
13
|
Storebø OJ, Zwi M, Krogh HB, Moreira-Maia CR, Holmskov M, Gillies D, Groth C, Simonsen E, Gluud C. Evidence on methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD is in fact of 'very low quality'. EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH 2016; 19:100-102. [PMID: 27935808 PMCID: PMC10699534 DOI: 10.1136/eb-2016-102499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Banaschewski and colleagues from the European Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) guideline group make a number of critical comments regarding our systematic review on methylphenidate for children and adolescents with ADHD. In this article, we present our views, showing that our trial selection was not flawed and was undertaken with scientific justification. Similarly, our data collection and interpretation was systematic and correct. We have followed a sound methodology for assessing risk of bias and our conclusions are not misleading. We acknowledge that different researchers might make risk of bias judgments at higher or lower thresholds, but we have been consistent and transparent in applying our pre-defined and per reviewed protocol. Although we made minor errors, we demonstrate that the effects are negligible and not affecting our conclusions. We are happy to correct such errors and to engage in debate on methodological and ethical issues. In terms of clinical implications, we are advocating that clinicians, patients and their relatives should weight carefully risks and benefits of methylphenidate. Clinical experience seems to suggest that there are people who benefit from this medication. Our systematic review does, however, raise questions regarding the overall quality of the methylphenidate trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O J Storebø
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - M Zwi
- Whittington Health, Islington CAMHS, London, UK
| | - H B Krogh
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - M Holmskov
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - D Gillies
- Mental Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, Australia
| | - C Groth
- Pediatric Department, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - E Simonsen
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Gluud
- The Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Romanos M, Coghill D, Gerlach M, Becker K, Holtmann M, Döpfner M, Banaschewski T. Check and Double Check – the Cochrane review by Storebo et al. (2015) is indeed flawed. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER-UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2016; 44:336-337. [DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Romanos
- Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Klinik für Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
| | - D. Coghill
- Departments of Paediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M. Gerlach
- Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit, Klinik für Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg
| | - K. Becker
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg
| | - M. Holtmann
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, LWL-Universtitätsklinik Hamm der Ruhr-Universität Bochum
| | - M. Döpfner
- Ausbildungsinstitut für Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie (AKiP) am Klinikum der Universität zu Köln
- Medizinische Fakultät, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Universität zu Köln
| | - T. Banaschewski
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit Mannheim, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes-und Jugendalters (KJP)
| |
Collapse
|