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Concerta (methylphenidate HCl) Once-Daily Proves Effective for Treatment of Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Presented at AACAP

By Jerry Ingram

MIAMI BEACH, FL -- October 19, 2003 -- Concerta (methylphenidate HCl) extended-release tablets (OROS MPH), once daily may serve as an effective treatment for adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to researchers with the Concerta Study Group.

Since few studies have evaluated the effectiveness and safety of stimulants in adolescents with ADHD, researchers examined the safety, tolerability and efficacy of once-daily methylphenidate. Researchers presented their findings here on October 16^th at the 50^th Anniversary Meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology.

"One of the interesting measures used in this study beside traditional measures of ADHD symptoms were self-rated which were quite positive. The adolescents themselves rated lots of improvement," concluded Thomas Spencer, MD, lead researcher, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

For this presentation investigators conducted a parallel design, double blind study that included 177 adolescents. After an initial washout period patients were analyzed using response criteria to determine the appropriate dose up to 72 mg. Patients were randomized to their individual dose of methylphenidate or placebo for a 2-week period.

Researchers evaluated efficacy based on several rating scales including parent and investigator rated ADHD rating scales, the parent rated Child Conflict Index, and the child rated Conners-Wells Self Report Scale.

They noted that side effects and measures of cardiovascular function were similar to comparable multiple doses of methylphenidate, immediate release and that Oros MPH was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of adolescents suffering with ADHD.


[Study title: Oros Methylphenidate Treatment For Adolescent Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Abstract B18]

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