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Metilfenidato para niños y adolescentes con trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH)

Information

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009885.pub3Copy DOI
Database:
  1. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Version published:
  1. 27 March 2023see what's new
Type:
  1. Intervention
Stage:
  1. Review
Cochrane Editorial Group:
  1. Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group

Copyright:
  1. Copyright © 2023 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Authors

  • Ole Jakob Storebø

    Correspondence to: Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark

    [email protected]

    Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Department, Region Zealand, Roskilde, Denmark

    Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

  • Maja Rosenberg Overby Storm

    Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark

  • Johanne Pereira Ribeiro

    Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark

  • Maria Skoog

    Clinical Study Support, Clinical Studies Sweden - Forum South, Lund, Sweden

  • Camilla Groth

    Pediatric Department, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark

  • Henriette E Callesen

    Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark

  • Julie Perrine Schaug

    Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark

  • Pernille Darling Rasmussen

    Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark

  • Christel-Mie L Huus

    Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, 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

Contributions of authors

OJS has overall responsibility for the review and is a guarantor for the review.

OJS developed the design of the review and was responsible for the co‐ordination of the review.

CG, ES and MZ updated the background sections of the review.

OJS, HEC, JPS, JPR, MROS, PDR, and CMLH selected the studies.

MROS, CMLH, JPR, JPS, MS, and OJS extracted data and evaluated risk of bias.

OJS and HEC assessed the certainty of the body of evidence.

OJS, CGl and HEC interpreted the data.

OJS and CGl developed the analytical strategy.

MS, HEC, JPR, JPS, MROS, and OJS entered data into Review Manager 5.

OJS, MS, RK, HEC, JPR, and MROS conducted the statistical analysis.

All review authors participated in discussion and writing of the final review.

Sources of support

Internal sources

  • Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark

    Ole Jakob Storebø, Johanne Pereira Ribeiro, Julie Schaug, Maja Rosenberg Overby Storm, and Erik Simonsen worked on this review during office hours

  • Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark

    Christian Gluud worked on this review during office hours

External sources

  • None, Other

    N/A

Declarations of interest

Ole Jakob Storebø: works at Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Denmark. He is an Editor for Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems (CDPLP) but was not involved in the editorial process for this review. He is also an Editor‐in‐Chief for the Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology. He has declared that he has no conflicts of interest.

Maja Rosenberg Overby Storm: has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Johanne Perieira Ribeiro: has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Christel‐Mie‐Lykke Huus: has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Pernille Darling Rasmussen: has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Julie Perrine Schaug: has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Henriette Edeman Callesen: has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Maria Skoog: has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Camilla Groth works at the Children's Department at Hillerød Hospital, Denmark, where she conducts paediatric clinical research. She has declared that she has no conflicts of interest.

Morris Zwi (MZ) is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist working part time in private practice; previously, he worked exclusively for the NHS for 32 years, before retiring. He is a former Editor for CDPLP and occasionally is consulted by the group for his expertise; however, he was not involved in the editorial process for this review and it has been over one year since he did any editorial work. MZ declares a payment from the Paediatric Medicines Expert Advisory Board of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency for his attendance at their monthly/bimonthly (i.e. every two months) meetings.

Richard Kirubakaran: has declared that he has no conflicts of interest.

Erik Simonsen: has declared that he has no conflicts of interest.

Christian Gluud: is the Co‐ordinating Editor of the Cochrane Hepato‐Biliary Group. He has declared that he has no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgements

We thank Trine Lacoppidan Kæstel, Research Librarian, at the Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark, for helping with searches and descriptions of measurement scales.

We thank Anne Fink for helping with the review.

We are grateful to the many authors who kindly responded to our requests for further information on the trials in which they were involved.

Thanks also to the Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Roskilde, Denmark; Region Zealand Research Foundation, Denmark; and the Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region, Copenhagen University Hospital — Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, for funding and enabling the review.

We also wish to warmly thank Geraldine McDonald (Co‐ordinating Editor), Joanne Duffield (Managing Editor), Sarah Davies (Assistant Managing Editor), and Margaret Anderson (Information Specialist) of Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems for providing help and support.

Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems supported the authors in the development of this update.

The following people conducted the editorial process for this article.

  • Sign‐off Editor (final editorial decision): Geraldine Macdonald, University of Bristol;

  • Managing Editor (provided editorial guidance to authors, edited the article): Joanne Duffield, Queen's University Belfast; 

  • Deputy Managing Editor (conducted editorial policy checks and supported editorial team): Sarah Davies, University of Bristol; 

  • Information Specialist (search review): Margaret Anderson, Queen's Univeristy Belfast; and 

  • Copy Editor (copy editing and production): Denise Mitchell, Cochrane Evidence, Production and Methods Directorate.

Version history

Published

Title

Stage

Authors

Version

2023 Mar 27

Methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Review

Ole Jakob Storebø, Maja Rosenberg Overby Storm, Johanne Pereira Ribeiro, Maria Skoog, Camilla Groth, Henriette E Callesen, Julie Perrine Schaug, Pernille Darling Rasmussen, Christel-Mie L Huus, Morris Zwi, Richard Kirubakaran, Erik Simonsen, Christian Gluud

https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009885.pub3

2015 Nov 25

Methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Review

Ole Jakob Storebø, Erica Ramstad, Helle B. Krogh, Trine Danvad Nilausen, Maria Skoog, Mathilde Holmskov, Susanne Rosendal, Camilla Groth, Frederik L Magnusson, Carlos R Moreira‐Maia, Donna Gillies, Kirsten Buch Rasmussen, Dorothy Gauci, Morris Zwi, Richard Kirubakaran, Bente Forsbøl, Erik Simonsen, Christian Gluud

https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009885.pub2

2012 May 16

Methylphenidate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents

Protocol

Ole Jakob Storebø, Susanne Rosendal, Maria Skoog, Camilla Groth, Torben Bille, Kirsten Buch Rasmussen, Erik Simonsen, Christian Gluud

https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009885

Differences between protocol and review

Methods

Criteria for considering studies for this review

Types of studies

We split the review into two systematic reviews to make the review more manageable. The Storebø 2015a review deals with benefits and harms of methylphenidate as reported by RCTs. Storebø 2018b assessed the risk of harms based on the findings of non‐randomised studies.

Types of participants

We decided to include trials in which at least 75% of participants were 18 years of age or younger, and the mean age of the trial population was 18 years of age or younger. We included two trials with such participants. These two trials included a few participants at 19 and 20 years of age and we thought it was better to include these trials than to exclude them. The effects of methylphenidate intervention on any outcome did not change when these two trials were removed from the analysis.

We decided to include trials in which at least 75% of participants had a normal intellectual quotient (IQ > 70). We included four trials with such participants. These four trials included a few participants with IQ below 70 and we thought it was better to include these trials than to exclude them. The effects of methylphenidate intervention on any outcome did not change when these four trials were removed from the analysis.

Types of outcome measures. Duration of studies

We changed the subdivision of duration from short term (≤ 6 months), medium term (6 to 12 months) and long term (> 12 months) to short term (≤ 6 months) and long term (> 6 months) because no trials had a duration of between 6 and 12 months. Only one trial (Jensen 1999 (MTA)), provided data on a duration longer than six months (14 months). We included the change in duration classification in analyses of ADHD symptoms and general behaviour.

Search methods for identification of studies Electronic searches

We did not search OpenGrey as this database closed down in 2020. We did not contact the medical authorities in the European Union for information about beneficial and adverse events. We did not ask for access to security updates and risk management plans of pharmaceutical companies due to lack of time and resources.

Data collection and analysis

Selection of studies and data extraction and management

More review authors than stated in the protocol screened titles and abstracts, extracted data, entered data into Review Manager 5 and conducted statistical analyses in Review Manager 5 (Review Manager 2020). More authors were added to the review as it became a bigger review than we expected at the protocol stage.

Measures of treatment effect. Continuous data

For the primary outcome of teacher‐rated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, we recalculated the standardised mean difference (SMD) as mean difference (MD) on the ADHD‐Rating Scale (DuPaul 1991a), to check whether our result exceeded the minimum clinically important difference (MCID; Zhang 2005), for this specific rating scale. This was not stated in the protocol (Storebø 2012).

For the secondary outcome of quality of life, we recalculated the SMD as MD on the Child Health Questionnaire (Landgraf 1998), to check whether our results exceeded the MCID (Rentz 2005) for this specific rating scale. This was not stated in the protocol (Storebø 2012).

Dealing with missing data

We tried to obtain missing data by contacting the authors of the trials that we included in this review. When we were not able to obtain missing data, we conducted the analyses using the available (incomplete) data. We had intended to assess the impact of missing data by applying intention‐to‐treat as well as 'best‐case scenario' and 'worst‐case scenario' analyses. We could not use 'best‐case scenario' and 'worst‐case scenario' analyses in our assessment of benefits as there were no dichotomous outcomes. We decided not to use 'best‐case scenario' and 'worst‐case scenario' analyses in our assessment of adverse events, because we evaluated these analyses to be imprecise due to the high number of trials not reporting adverse events, and due to the high number of dropouts in the trials reporting adverse events. Moreover, we were unable to conduct intention‐to‐treat analyses for continuous outcomes due to lack of data for imputing means.

Data synthesis. Heterogeneity‐adjusted required information size and Trial Sequential Analysis

We performed a Trial Sequential Analysis on the total number of serious adverse events and on the total number of non‐serious adverse events only, as they were the only outcomes with dichotomous data with a substantial number of outcomes. Trial Sequential Analysis can be conducted on individual types of adverse events, but for this, the accrued information would represent a minute fraction of the required information size (RIS). We were not able to conduct a Trial Sequential Analysis for teacher‐, independent assessor‐ or parent‐rated outcomes, as the programme can be used only for MDs, not for SMDs.

Subgroup analysis and investigation of heterogeneity

We planned few subgroup analyses in our protocol. Due to large methodological and clinical heterogeneity in the included trials, we decided to conduct several post‐hoc subgroup analyses.

  1. Types of scales (e.g. Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS; Conners 1998a) compared to Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior (SWAN) Scale (Swanson 2006). We did this subgroup analysis to test the potential differences in effect estimates between the numerous scales measuring comparable content.

  2. Dose of methylphenidate (low dose (≤ 20 mg/d or ≤ 0.6 mg/kg/day) compared to moderate/high dose (> 20 mg/day or > 0.6 mg/kg/day)). We did this subgroup analysis to test the potential differences in effect estimates between doses, as this is very relevant for clinicians and patients.

  3. Duration of treatment (short‐term trials (≤ 6 months) compared to long‐term trials (> 6 months)). We did this subgroup analysis to test the potential differences in effect estimates between short‐ compared to long‐term trials.

  4. Trial design (parallel‐group trials compared to cross‐over trials (first period data and endpoint data)). We conducted this subgroup analysis as we pooled first‐period data with parallel‐group data and we used end‐of‐period data from cross‐over trials without adjusting for unit of analysis error.

  5. Medication status before randomisation (medication‐naive (> 80% of included participants were medication‐naive) compared to not medication‐naive (< 20% of included participants were medication‐naive)). We did this subgroup analysis to test the potential differences in effect estimates between medication‐naïve and not medication‐naïve participants, as this is very relevant for clinicians and patients.

  6. Risk of bias (trials at low risk of bias compared to trials at high risk of bias). We did this subgroup analysis to test the potential differences in effect estimates between trials at low risk of bias compared to those at high risk of bias.

  7. Cohort selection bias (trials with enrichment design compared to trials without enrichment design). We did this subgroup analysis to test the potential differences in effect estimates between the trials that had used the enrichment design to those that did not use this design.

  8. Vested interest (trials at high or unclear compared to trials at low risk of vested interests). There is empirical evidence showing that trials funded by industry might overestimate the benefits compared to trials not funded by industry and therefore we wanted to do this subgroup analysis.

  9. Type of control group (trials with placebo control group compared to trials with no‐intervention control group). We wanted to test the impact of choice of control group on estimated intervention effects.

Differences between this update and the original review

Methods

Search methods for identification of studies. Electronic searches

We updated the search strategy to include additional brand names for methylphenidate. Instead of conducting two separate searches for efficacy and adverse effects, we combined these into a single search. We also added a new source of systematic reviews (Epistemonikos) for reference list checking.

Data collection and analysis. Assessment of risk of bias in included studies. Vested interests

We did not evaluate vested interest as a risk of bias domain in this update as this is not recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins 2011).

Results

Description of studies

During this update, we found that one of the included trials was actually a subpublication of another trial (Bhat 2020). Therefore, the number of trials from the 2015 version is only 184 trials. Furthermore, we excluded one of the studies awaiting classification due to ineligible study design. Two studies that were included in the 2015 review based on reports of preliminary data had their study ID changed to match the primary reference included in the present version (Bhat 2020; Hawk 2018). One additional trial had its primary reference and study ID changed for naming consistency (Wigal 2011).

Included studies

In the 2015 version of this review (Storebø 2015b), we did not describe the trials that did not contribute to the analyses because they had no usable data. We have now added this information to the Included studies section and also made reference to these trials in the 'Main results' section of the abstract and additional Table 2.

Risk of bias in included studies

We did not assess all trials included in the 2015 review for enrichment (evaluated under the 'Notes' heading in all inclusion tables) and 'Selection bias' (evaluated under incomplete outcome data bias in all bias assessment tables). However, in this update, we reassessed all trials to include both of these assessments consistently throughout the review.

Keywords

MeSH

PICOs

Population
Intervention
Comparison
Outcome

The PICO model is widely used and taught in evidence-based health care as a strategy for formulating questions and search strategies and for characterizing clinical studies or meta-analyses. PICO stands for four different potential components of a clinical question: Patient, Population or Problem; Intervention; Comparison; Outcome.

See more on using PICO in the Cochrane Handbook.

original image

Figures and Tables -
Figure 1

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies

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Figure 2

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included trial

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Figure 3

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included trial

Funnel plot of comparison 1. Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, outcome: 1.8 All data at low and high risk of bias (parallel‐group and cross‐over trials)

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Figure 4

Funnel plot of comparison 1. Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, outcome: 1.8 All data at low and high risk of bias (parallel‐group and cross‐over trials)

Trial Sequential Analysis: proportion of participants with one or more serious adverse events

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Figure 5

Trial Sequential Analysis: proportion of participants with one or more serious adverse events

Trial Sequential Analysis: proportion of participants with one or more non‐serious adverse events

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Figure 6

Trial Sequential Analysis: proportion of participants with one or more non‐serious adverse events

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: dose

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: medication status ‐ medication naive versus not medication naive

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: medication status ‐ medication naive versus not medication naive

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 6: Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 6: Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

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Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: vested interest

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Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: vested interest

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 9: Subgroup analysis: type of control group

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 9: Subgroup analysis: type of control group

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 10: Cross‐over trial (endpoint data)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 10: Cross‐over trial (endpoint data)

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 11: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

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Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 11: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 12: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

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Analysis 1.12

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 12: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 13: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

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Analysis 1.13

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 13: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 14: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 1.14

Comparison 1: Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 14: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

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Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

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Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

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Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: dose

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Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: dose

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design

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Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 6: Subgroup analysis: type of control group

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Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 6: Subgroup analysis: type of control group

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

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Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 8: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

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Analysis 2.8

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 8: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 9: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

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Analysis 2.9

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 9: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 10: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

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Analysis 2.10

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 10: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 11: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

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Analysis 2.11

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 11: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 12: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

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Analysis 2.12

Comparison 2: Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 12: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

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Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

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Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

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Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: dose

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Analysis 3.4

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: dose

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: medication status ‐ medication naive versus not medication naive

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Analysis 3.5

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: medication status ‐ medication naive versus not medication naive

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 6: Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design

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Analysis 3.6

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 6: Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

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Analysis 3.7

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: type of control group

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Analysis 3.8

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: type of control group

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 9: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

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Analysis 3.9

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 9: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 10: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 3.10

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 10: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 11: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

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Analysis 3.11

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 11: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 12: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

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Analysis 3.12

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 12: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 13: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

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Analysis 3.13

Comparison 3: Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms, Outcome 13: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comparison of raters

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Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 1: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comparison of raters

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: age

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Analysis 4.2

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 2: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: age

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comorbidity versus no comorbidity

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Analysis 4.3

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 3: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comorbidity versus no comorbidity

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: subtypes ADHD: ADHD Rating Scale (parent‐, teacher‐ or independent assessor‐rated)

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Analysis 4.4

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 4: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: subtypes ADHD: ADHD Rating Scale (parent‐, teacher‐ or independent assessor‐rated)

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Cross‐over trials: first‐period data versus endpoint data (parent‐, independent assessor‐ and teacher‐rated)

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Analysis 4.5

Comparison 4: Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms, Outcome 5: Cross‐over trials: first‐period data versus endpoint data (parent‐, independent assessor‐ and teacher‐rated)

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 1: Proportions of participants with serious adverse events (SAE)

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Analysis 5.1

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 1: Proportions of participants with serious adverse events (SAE)

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 2: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

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Analysis 5.2

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 2: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 3: Digestive system

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Analysis 5.3

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 3: Digestive system

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 4: Cardiovascular systems

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.4

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 4: Cardiovascular systems

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 5: Respiratory systems

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.5

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 5: Respiratory systems

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 6: Urinary system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.6

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 6: Urinary system

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 7: Skeletal and muscular system (including pain)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.7

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 7: Skeletal and muscular system (including pain)

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 8: Immune system (including infections)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.8

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 8: Immune system (including infections)

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 9: Other

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 5.9

Comparison 5: Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 9: Other

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 1: Proportion of participants with serious adverse events (SAE)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.1

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 1: Proportion of participants with serious adverse events (SAE)

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 2: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.2

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 2: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 3: Urinary system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.3

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 3: Urinary system

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 4: Immune system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 6.4

Comparison 6: Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 4: Immune system

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 1: Proportion of participants with non‐serious adverse events

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.1

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 1: Proportion of participants with non‐serious adverse events

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: proportion of participants with non‐serious adverse events according to dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.2

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: proportion of participants with non‐serious adverse events according to dose

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 3: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.3

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 3: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 4: Digestive system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.4

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 4: Digestive system

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 5: Cardiovascular system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.5

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 5: Cardiovascular system

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 6: Respiratory system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.6

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 6: Respiratory system

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 7: Urinary system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.7

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 7: Urinary system

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 8: Skeletal and muscular systems (including pain)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.8

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 8: Skeletal and muscular systems (including pain)

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 9: Immune system (including infections)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.9

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 9: Immune system (including infections)

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 10: Integumentary system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.10

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 10: Integumentary system

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 11: Sleep variability

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.11

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 11: Sleep variability

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 12: Sleep variability continuous outcomes

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.12

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 12: Sleep variability continuous outcomes

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 13: Vital signs

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.13

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 13: Vital signs

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 14: Physical parameters

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.14

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 14: Physical parameters

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 15: Other (including drug toxicity)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 7.15

Comparison 7: Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 15: Other (including drug toxicity)

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 1: Proportion of participants with non‐serious events

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.1

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 1: Proportion of participants with non‐serious events

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: total number of non‐serious adverse events according to dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.2

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: total number of non‐serious adverse events according to dose

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 3: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.3

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 3: Nervous system (including psychiatry)

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 4: Nervous system (including psychiatry) continuous outcomes

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.4

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 4: Nervous system (including psychiatry) continuous outcomes

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 5: Digestive system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.5

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 5: Digestive system

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 6: Cardiovascular system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.6

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 6: Cardiovascular system

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 7: Respiratory system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.7

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 7: Respiratory system

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 8: Urinary system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.8

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 8: Urinary system

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 9: Skeletal and muscular system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.9

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 9: Skeletal and muscular system

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 10: Skeletal and muscular system continuous outcomes

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.10

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 10: Skeletal and muscular system continuous outcomes

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 11: Immune system (including infections)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.11

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 11: Immune system (including infections)

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 12: Integumentary system

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.12

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 12: Integumentary system

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 13: Sleep variability continuous outcomes

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.13

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 13: Sleep variability continuous outcomes

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 14: Sleep variability

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.14

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 14: Sleep variability

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 15: Vital signs

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.15

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 15: Vital signs

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 16: Physical parameters

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.16

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 16: Physical parameters

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 17: Other (including drug toxicity)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 8.17

Comparison 8: Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data), Outcome 17: Other (including drug toxicity)

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.1

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.2

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.3

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: dose

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.4

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials versus first‐period cross‐over trials

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.5

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials versus first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 6: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.6

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 6: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.7

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (teacher‐rated) versus cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.8

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (teacher‐rated) versus cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 9: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 9.9

Comparison 9: Teacher‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 9: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 10.1

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 2: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 10.2

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 2: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: general behaviour, cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 10.3

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: general behaviour, cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (independent assessor‐rated) compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 10.4

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (independent assessor‐rated) compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 10.5

Comparison 10: Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.1

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 1: All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.2

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 2: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.3

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 3: Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.4

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 4: Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.5

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 5: Subgroup analysis: dose

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 6: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.6

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 6: Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.7

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 7: Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (parent‐rated) compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.8

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 8: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (parent‐rated) compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 9: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.9

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 9: All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 10: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 11.10

Comparison 11: Parent‐rated general behaviour, Outcome 10: Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest

Comparison 12: Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour, Outcome 1: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comparisons of raters

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 12.1

Comparison 12: Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour, Outcome 1: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comparisons of raters

Comparison 12: Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour, Outcome 2: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comorbidity versus no comorbidity

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 12.2

Comparison 12: Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour, Outcome 2: Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comorbidity versus no comorbidity

Comparison 12: Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour, Outcome 3: Cross‐over trials: first‐period data versus endpoint data in the same trials (teacher‐, parent‐, and independent assessor‐rated)

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 12.3

Comparison 12: Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour, Outcome 3: Cross‐over trials: first‐period data versus endpoint data in the same trials (teacher‐, parent‐, and independent assessor‐rated)

Comparison 13: Quality of life: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 1: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Figures and Tables -
Analysis 13.1

Comparison 13: Quality of life: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials, Outcome 1: Subgroup analysis: types of scales

Summary of findings 1. Methylphenidate compared with placebo or no intervention for children and adolescents with ADHD

Methylphenidate compared with placebo or no intervention for ADHD

Patient or population: children and adolescents (up to and including 18 years of age) with ADHD
Settings: outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital ward and summer school
Intervention: methylphenidate
Comparison: placebo or no intervention

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

Number of participants
(trials)

Certainty of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Placebo or no intervention

Methylphenidate

ADHD symptoms: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials
ADHD Rating Scale (teacher‐rated)

Average trial duration: 68.7 days

Mean ADHD symptom score in the intervention groups corresponds to a mean difference of −10.58 (95% CI −12.58 to −8.72) on ADHD Rating Scale

SMD

−0.74 (−0.88 to −0.61)

1728

(21 trials)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very lowa,b

The analysis was conducted on a standardised scale with data from studies that used different teacher‐rated scales of symptoms (Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS), Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviour (SWAN) Scale, The Swanson, Nolan and Pelham (SNAP) Scale ‐ Teacher, Fremdbeurteilungsbogen für Hyperkinetische Störungen (FBB‐HKS)). We translated the effect size on to the ADHD Rating Scale from the SMD.

Proportion of participants with one or more serious adverse events

Trial population

RR 0.80 (0.39 to 1.67)

3673

(26 trials)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Verylowa,c

TSA RIS = 9349

TSA showed a RR of 0.91 (TSA‐adjusted Cl 0.31 to 2.68)

8 per 1000

6 per 1000
(5 less to 5 more)

Proportion of participants with one or more adverse events considered non‐serious

Trial population

RR 1.23

(1.11 to 1.37)

5342

(35 trials)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Verylowa,b

TSA RIS = 9139
TSA showed a RR of 1.22 (TSA‐adjusted Cl 1.08 to 1.43)

437 per 1000

538 per 1000
(348 less to 162 more)

General behaviour: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials
General behaviour rating scales (teacher‐rated)

Mean general behaviour score in the intervention groups was 0.62 standard mean deviations lower (95% CI 0.91 lower to 0.33 lower)

SMD −0.62

(−0.91 to −0.33)

792
(7 trials)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Very lowa,b,d

Quality of life

(parent‐rated)

Mean quality‐of‐life score in the intervention groups corresponds to a mean difference of 4.94 (95% CI −0.37 to 10.25) on the Child Health Questionnaire

SMD 0.40

(−0.03 to 0.83)

608
(4 trials)

⊕⊝⊝⊝
Verylowa,b,c,e

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).

ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; CI: confidence interval; RIS: required information size; RR: risk ratio; SMD: standardised mean difference; TSA: Trial Sequential Analysis

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence

High certainty: we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect.

Moderate certainty: we are moderately confident in the effect estimate; the true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different.

Low certainty: our confidence in the effect estimate is limited; the true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect.

Very low certainty: we have very little confidence in the effect estimate; the true effect is likely to be substantially different from the estimate of effect.

aDowngraded two levels due to high risk of bias (systematic errors causing overestimation of benefits and underestimation of harms) in several risk of bias domains, including lack of sufficient blinding and selective outcome reporting (many of the included trials did not report on this outcome).
bDowngraded one level due to inconsistency: moderate statistical heterogeneity.
cDowngraded two levels due to imprecision: wide confidence intervals and/or the accrued number of participants was below 50% of the diversity‐adjusted required information size (DARIS) in Trial Sequential Analysis.
dDowngraded one level due to indirectness: children's general behaviour was assessed by different types of rating scales with different focus on behaviour.
e Downgraded one level due to indirectness: children's quality of life was assessed by their parents.

Figures and Tables -
Summary of findings 1. Methylphenidate compared with placebo or no intervention for children and adolescents with ADHD
Table 1. Vested interest of included studies

Study

Vested interest

Support for judgement

Abikoff 2009

High

Funding: investigator‐initiated trial funded by a grant from Ortho‐McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs to Dr Abikoffx

Conflicts of interest: Drs Abikoff and Gallagher have a contract with Multi‐Health Systems to further develop the Children’s Organizational Skills Scale (COSS) used in this trial. Dr Abikoff has served on the ADHD Advisory Board of Shire Pharmaceuticals and of Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Dr Boorady has served on the ADHD Advisory Board and Speakers’ Bureau of Shire Pharmaceuticals. Other trial authors report no conflicts of interest

Ahmann 1993

Low

Funding: trial was funded by Marshfield Clinic grants

Conflict of interest: not declared

Arnold 2004

High

Funding: trial was supported by the Celgene Corporation

Conflicts of interest: Drs Arnold, Wigal and Bohan received research Funding from Celgene for the trial reported. Dr Wigal and Dr West are on the Advisory Panel and Speakers' Bureau for Novartis. Dr Arnold and Dr Bohan are on the Speakers' Bureau for Novartis. Dr Zeldis is Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Celgene Corporation.

Barkley 1989b

Low

Funding: trial was internally funded by the medical school

Conflict of interest: not declared

Barkley 1991

Low

Funding: research was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Barkley 2000

Low

Funding: University of Massachusetts Medical School

Conflict of interest: not declared

Barragán 2017

High

Funding: trial was funded by Vifor Pharma

Conflict of interest: trial authors affiliated with the medical industry

Bedard 2008

Low

Funding: funding and operating grant from the Canadian Institute of Health Research and Funding from the Canada Research Chairs Programme

Conflicts of interest: none

Bhat 2020

High

Funding: this work was supported in part by a grant from the Fond de Recherche du Québec and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Weam Fageera is a recipient of a PhD scholarship from the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia.

Conflicts of interest: authors affiliated with medical industry

Biederman 2003b

High

Funding: received from Novartis

Conflict of interest: not declared

Bliznakova 2007

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflict of interest: not declared

Blum 2011

High

Funding: trial was supported by an investigator‐initiated grant from Ortho McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, the manufacturer of OROS methylphenidate (Concerta)

Conflict of interest: not declared

Borcherding 1990

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Brams 2008

High

Funding: sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Conflicts of interest: first trial author has been a speaker, consultant and advisory board member for Novartis and Shire

Brams 2012

High

Funding: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, with the following involvement reported: design and conduct of the trial; collection, management, analysis and interpretation of data; and preparation, review and approval of the manuscript. All trial authors are employees or consultants or have received research grants from pharmaceutical companies.

Conflicts of interest: all trial authors are employees or consultants or have received research grants from pharmaceutical companies.

Brown 1984a

Unclear

Funding: funded by National institute of Mental Health and National institutes of Health. Placebo and methylphenidate were supplied by CIBA‐GEIGY Corporation, Summit, New Jersey

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Brown 1985

Unclear

Funding: research supported by US Public Health Services Grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and by the Biomedical Research Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Methylphenidate provided by CIBA‐GEIGY Corporation, Summit, New Jersey

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Brown 1988

Low

Funding: Biomedical Research Support Grant Program, Division of Research Resources, National Institutes of Health and Emory University Research

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Brown 1991

Unclear

Funding: Biomedical Research Support Grant Program, Division of Research Resources, National Institutes of Health, and by the Emory University Research Fund

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Buitelaar 1995

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: no affiliations with pharmaceutical companies were declared

Bukstein 1998

Unclear

Funding: no Funding declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Butter 1983

Low

Funding: the Scientific Development Group, Organon International BV, Oss, the Netherlands

Conflicts of interest: none

Carlson 1995

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflict of interest: not declared

Carlson 2007

High

Funding: research was funded by Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana

Conflicts of interest: Dr Carlson has received research support or has consulted with the following companies: Abbott Laboratories, Cephalon, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, McNeil, Otsuka and Shire Pharmaceuticals. Dr Dunn has received research support or has served on Speakers' Bureaus of the following companies: AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, National Institues of Health, Otsuka and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Drs Kelsey, Ruff, Ball and Allen and Ms Ahrbecker are employees and/or shareholders of Eli Lilly and Company.

Castellanos 1997

Unclear

Funding: unclear

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Chacko 2005

High

Funding: during the conduct of this research, Dr Pelham was supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (MH48157, MH47390, MH45576, MH50467, MH53554, MH62946), NIAAA (AA06267, AA11873), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (DA05605, DA12414), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (NS39087), National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) (ES05015) and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD) (HD42080)

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors have affiliations with medical companies

Childress 2009

High

Funding: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Novartis Pharma has been helping with development of the manuscript.

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors have received research support from, are speakers for, are consultants of, are on the Advisory Board, have served on the Speakers' Bureaus of or are employees of several pharmaceutical companies

Childress 2017

High

Funding: this trial was supported by funds from Neos Therapeutics, Inc, PI.

Conflicts of interest: Carolyn R Sikes is affiliated with Neos Therapeutics, Inc.

Childress 2020a

High

Funding: trial was funded by Purdue Pharma

Conflict of interest: trial authors affiliated with medical industry

Childress 2020b

High

Funding: trial funded by Ironshore Pharmaceuticals

Conflict of interest: trial authors affiliated with the medical industry

Childress 2020c

High

Funding: trial funded by Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LP.

Conflict of interest: authors affiliated with medical industry

Chronis 2003

High

Funding: supported by a grant from Shire‐Richwood Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated ‐ manufacturer of Adderall ‐ and from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Conflict of interest: not declared

Coghill 2007

High

Funding: this work was supported by a local trust through a Tenovus Scotland initiative.

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors have affiliations with different pharmaceutical companies

Coghill 2013

High

Funding: Shire Development LLC

Conflicts of interest: C Anderson, R Civil, N Higgins, A Lyne and L Squires are employees of Shire and own stock/stock options. Some trial authors have received compensation for serving as consultants or speakers, or they or the institutions they work for have received research support or royalties from different companies or organisations.

Connor 2000

Low

Funding: supported by a UMMS (University of Massachusetts Medical School) Small Grants Project Award

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Cook 1993

Low

Funding: supported by the Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and the School of Medicine, University North Dakota; the Veterans Hospital; the Dakota Clinic; and The Neuropsychiatric Institute, Fargo, North Dakota

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Corkum 2008

Low

Funding: research was supported by a grant from the Izaak Walton Killam IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Conflicts of interest: "none declared"

Corkum 2020

Low

Funding: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Conflicts of interest: there were no conflicts of interest of any trial investigator with the pharmaceutical or equipment manufacturers.

Cox 2006

High

Funding: trial was supported by Funding from McNeil Pediatrics, a division of McNeil‐PPC Incorporated

Conflicts of interest: none declared

CRIT124US02

High

Funding: trial by Novartis

Conflicts of interest: no information on investigators

Döpfner 2004

High

Funding: trial was conducted and sponsored by MEDICE Arzneimittel Pütter GmbH & Co. KG as part of the drug approval process for Medikinet‐Retard

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors have affiliations with medical companies

Douglas 1986

Low

Funding: research was supported by Grant Number MA 6913, from the Medical Research Council of Canada

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Douglas 1995

Low

Funding: grants from the Medical Research Council of Canada and by William T Grant Foundation Faculty Scholar Program

Conflicts of interest: none

DuPaul 1996

Unclear

Funding: unclear

Conflict of interest: no conflicts of interest declared

Duric 2012

Low

Funding: the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department of Helse Fonna Hospital Haugesund, Helse Fonna Trust Haugesund, Norway

Conflicts of interest: trial authors declare no potential conflicts of interests with regard to authorship or publication of this article.

Epstein 2011

Low

Funding: National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Conflicts of interest: no evidence of conflicts of interest

Fabiano 2007

Low

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant MH62946

Conflicts of interest: supported only by National Institutes

Findling 2006

High

Funding: provided by Celltech Americas Incorporated, currently part of UCB (Union Chimique Belge)

Conflicts of interest: Drs Hatch and DeCory and Miss Cameron were employees of Celltech at the time of this trial. Dr Findling received research support, acted as a consultant and/or served on a Speakers' Bureau for Abbott, AstraZeneca, Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Celltech‐Medeva, Forest, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, New River, Novartis, Otsuka, Pfizer, Sanofi‐Synthelabo, Shire, Solvay and Wyeth. Dr Quinn claims no competitive interests. Dr McDowell has consulted for Janssen‐Cilag and Lilly.

Findling 2007

High

Funding: the Stanley Medical Research Institute

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors have affiliations with pharmaceutical companies

Findling 2008

High

Funding: Shire Development Incorporated, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors received research support, acted as consultants and/or served on a Speakers' Bureau for several pharmaceutical companies.

Findling 2010

High

Funding: Shire Development Incorporated, which was involved in trial design, conduct and data analysis. The open‐label trial was industry‐sponsored.

Conflicts of interest: Dr Findling has acted as consultant to, has served on Speakers' Bureaus of and/or has received research support from Abbott, Addrenex, AstraZeneca, Biovail, Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Forest Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, KemPharm, Johnson & Johnson, Lundbeck, Neuropharm, Novartis, Noven, Organon, Otsuka, Pfizer, Sanofi‐Aventis, Sepracor, Shire, Solvay, Supernus, Validus and Wyeth. Dr. Turnbow receives or has received research support, acted as a consultant and/or served on Speakers' Bureaus for Eli Lilly, Novartis US, Sanofi‐Aventis, Shire and UCB (Union Chimique Belge). Dr Burnside has acted as consultant to, has served on Speakers’ Bureaus of and/or has received research support from Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Shire and Wyeth. Dr Melmed has acted as consultant to, has served on Speakers' Bureaus of and/or has received research support from Bristol‐Myers, Eli Lilly, McNeil, Novartis and Shire. Drs Civil and Li are full‐time employees of Shire Development Incorporated.

Fine 1993

High

Funding: CIBA‐GEIGY Canada

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Firestone 1981

Low

Funding: Ministry of Health

Conflicts of interest: not stated

Fitzpatrick 1992a

Low

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant MH38118

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Flapper 2008

Low

Funding: none (no funding was available). This double‐blind placebo‐controlled (DBPC) trial of methylphenidate was performed as a clinical treatment program as best clinical practice to determine the effects of methylphenidate and optimal dose compared with placebo.

Conflicts of interest: no affiliations with pharmaceutical companies or similar declared.

NCT02039908

Low

Funding: Florida International University

Conflicts of interest: nothing declared for trial investigators

Forness 1992

Low

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant MH38686

Conflicts of interest: no affiliations described

Froehlich 2011

High

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Center for Education and Research Therapeutics Award

Conflicts of interest: Dr Epstein receives Funding from Eli Lilly and Co. Dr Stein has received research support from Eli Lilly and Co., McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and Shire. He has served on a Speakers' Bureau for Novartis and has served as consultant to Novartis, Shire and Shinogi Pharmaceuticals.

Froehlich 2018

High

Funding: data collection for the project was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (Bethesda, MD) by R01MH074770 [Epstein] and K23MH083881 [Froehlich], while investigators’ time on the project was funded by National Institute of Mental Health K24MH064478 [Epstein], K23MH083027 [Brinkman], and R01MH070564 [Stein]).

Conflicts of interest: trial authors are affiliated with the medical industry

Gadow 1990

Unclear

Funding: Ciba Pharmaceutical Company supplied methylphenidate placebo

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Gadow 1995

Low

Funding: research grants from the Tourette Syndrome Association and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Gadow 2007

Low

Funding: this trial was supported in part by a research grant from the Tourette Syndrome Association Incorporated, and by Public Health Service (PHS) grant number MH45358 from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Conflicts of interest: trial authors have no financial relationships to disclose.

Gadow 2011

Unclear

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Tourette Syndrome Association Incorporated. CIBA Pharmaceutical Company supplied methylphenidate placebos. Novartis supplied immediate‐release methylphenidate.

Conflicts of interest: "Kenneth D. Gadow is a shareholder in Checkmate Plus, publisher of the Child Symptom Inventory‐4"

Garfinkel 1983

Low

Funding: Ontario Mental Health Foundation

Conflicts of interest: none

Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010

High

Funding: supported by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Grant, Number K23 MH066835

Conflicts of interest: 4 trial authors are involved in the pharmaceutical sector.

Gorman 2006

Low

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Conflicts of interest: trial authors have no financial relationships to declare

Green 2011

Low

Funding: the Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Research Award of the March of Dimes, NARSAD (National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders) Young Investigator Award, the Marguerite Stolz Award from the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Conflicts of interest: trial authors have had no institutional or corporate/commercial relationships for the past 36 months that might pose a conflict of interest.

Greenhill 2002

High

Funding: Celltech Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Conflicts of interest: Dr Greenhill is a consultant for Celltech‐Medeva and a member of its medical advisory board. Drs Findling and Swanson are consultants for Celltech‐Medeva.

Greenhill 2006

High

Funding: Novartis

Conflicts of interest: 2 trial authors are employed by Novartis. Only Roberta R Ball has no conflicts of interest.

Gruber 2007

Low

Funding: this was not an industry‐supported trial.

Conflicts of interest: trial authors have indicated no financial conflicts of interest.

Hale 2011

Low

Funding: research part funded by the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota, USA

Conflicts of interest: trial authors disclose no conflicts of interest

Hawk 2018

Low

Funding: supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Conflicts of interest: no conflicts declared

Heriot 2008

Low

Funding: no funding to conduct the trial was received from any party.

Conflicts of interest: none of the trial authors are affiliated with pharmaceutical companies.

Hicks 1985

Low

Funding: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Hoeppner 1997

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Horn 1991

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Huang 2021

High

Funding: this work is supported by Orient Pharma Co, Ltd.

Conflicts of interest: authors affiliated with medical industry

Ialongo 1994

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Jacobi‐Polishook 2009

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Jensen 1999 (MTA)

High

Funding: this trial was supported by several grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland.

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors have affiliations with medical companies.

Johnston 1988

Unclear

Funding: not declared. During the writing of this report, C Johnston was supported by a Doctoral Fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Kaplan 1990

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Kelly 1989

Unclear

Funding: CIBA Geigy Pharmaceuticals provided placebos

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Kent 1995

Low

Funding: this work was supported by the John and Maxine Bendheim Fellowship and by the Leon Lowenstein Foundation.

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Kent 1999

High

Funding: Ms Kent was a summer medical student supported in part by the IWK Grace Research Foundation, Halifax, NovaScotia, and by the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada Studentship, Ottawa, Ontario

Conflicts of interest: trial authors sponsored by Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association of Canada Studentship

Klorman 1990

Low

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant MH38118

Conflicts of interest: no corporate affiliations declared

Kolko 1999

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Kollins 2006 (PATS)

High

Funding:

  • Phase 5 (cross‐over): sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, Columbia/New York State Psychiatric Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of California Irvine, Duke University Medical Center, New York University Child Study Center and University of California Los Angeles, Arizona Institute of Mental Health Research to JKG. Generic methylphenidate was purchased by grant funds.

  • Phase 6 (parallel‐group): sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, Columbia/New York State Psychiatric Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of California Irvine, Duke University Medical Center, New York University Child Study Center and University of California Los Angeles, Arizona Institute of Mental Health Research to JKG. Generic methylphenidate was purchased by grant funds.

  • Phase 8 (discontinuation): sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, Columbia/New York State Psychiatric Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of California Irvine, Duke University Medical Center, New York University Child Study Center and University of California Los Angeles, Arizona Institute of Mental Health Research to JKG. Generic methylphenidate was purchased by grant funds.

Conflicts of interest:

  • Phase 5 (cross‐over): multiple trial authors had relationships with several pharmaceutical companies for the period 2000‐2007.

  • Phase 6 (parallel‐group): multiple trial authors had relationships with several pharmaceutical companies for the period 2000‐2007. Placebo responders in phase 5 were excluded from phase 6. Participants with no clinical benefit any week were excluded from phase 6 (methylphenidate non‐responders).

  • Phase 8 (discontinuation): multiple trial authors had relationships with several pharmaceutical companies for the period 2000‐2007.

Kollins 2021

High

Funding: clinical research was funded by KemPharm, Inc. Funding for editorial and writing assistance in the form of proofreading, copyediting, and fact‐checking was provided by Corium, Inc.

Conflicts of interest: authors affiliated with medical industry

Konrad 2004

Low

Funding: the German Society for the Advancement of Scientific Research (DFG grant KFO112)

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Konrad 2005

Low

Funding: provided through a grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG grant: KFO112–TP5)

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017

High

Funding: unclear, but Shire was a collaborator

Conflicts of interest: the second trial author has some affiliation to the medical industry.

Kritchman 2019

Low

Funding: Shalvata Mental Health Center

Conflicts of interest: “The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.”

Leddy 2009

High

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: Dr Waxmonsky has served on the Speakers' Board for Novartis, received an honorarium from Shire and received research support from Shire and Eli Lilly. Dr Erbe has received educational and research support from Genzyme Corporation. Dr Pelham was paid an honorarium by Shire Pharmaceuticals.

Lehmkuhl 2002

High

Funding: Medice Arzneimittel Pütter GmbH & Co. KG, Kuhloweg 37, D‐58638 Iserlohn

Conflicts of interest: Dr Doepfner is a consultant for Lilly, Medice, Novartis and Union Chimique Belge; serves on the Advisory Boards of Lilly, Medice, Shire, Novartis and Union Chimique Belge; participates as a member of the Speakers' Bureaus of Lilly, Medice, Janssen‐Cilag and Union Chimique Belge; and has research contracts with Lilly, Medice, Novartis, Union Chimique Belge, the German Research Foundation and the Federal Ministry of Health. Dr Lehmkuhl is on the Advisory Boards of Lilly and Medice. Dr Sinzig has no financial relationships to disclose.

Lijffijt 2006

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Lin 2014

High

Funding: Ely Lilly

Conflicts of interest: 5 authors work for Lilly.

Lopez 2003

High

Funding: Novartis

Conflicts of interest: Dr Silva is a consultant and a member of the Speakers' Bureau for Novartis. Dr Lopez is a consultant for Eli Lilly, Novartis and Shire. He is also a member of the Speakers' Bureaus for Novartis and Shire.

Lufi 1997

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflits of interest: not declared

Lufi 2007

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Manos 1999

High

Funding: in part by from Shire Pharmaceutical Development Incorporated to Dr Faraone

Conflicts of interest: trial authors acknowledge partial support to the second author from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (grants R01‐DA07957 and MCJ‐390592) and from the Maternal and Child Health Program, Health Resources and Service Administration, Department of Health and Human Services (grant 390715), and to the third author from the Stanley Foundation.

Martins 2004

Unclear

Funding: methylphenidate and placebo pills were supplied by Novartis Pharmaceuticals (São Paulo, Brazil) at no cost and without restrictions. No additional funding was requested or received from Novartis or any other commercial entity.

Conflicts of interest: trial authors have reported no conflicts of interest

Matthijssen 2019

Low

Funding: The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and development (ZonMw, grant 836011014)

Conflicts of interest: not declared

McBride 1988a

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

McCracken 2016

High

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Research Center grant P50MH077248, “Translational Research to Enhance Cognitive Control”

Conflicts of interest: trial authors affiliated with the medical industry

McGough 2006

High

Funding: Shire US Inc

Conflicts of interest: 2 medical writers acknowledged (Amy M Horton & Michelle Roberts) but were unclear about where they came from or what their role was in the publication.

McInnes 2007

High

Funding: the Psychiatric Endowment Fund

Conflicts of interest: trial authors had received Funding from Eli Lilly, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Janssen‐Ortho and McNeil Pharmaceuticals

Merrill 2021

Unclear

Funding: not stated

Conflicts of interest: trial authors declare that they have no conflict of interest

Moshe 2012

Low

Funding: none

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Muniz 2008

High

Funding: "This study was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and reports the following involvement: design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of data; preparation, review, and approval of the manuscript"

Conflicts of interest: Dr Muniz is an employee of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. He has no other relationships to disclose. Dr Brams reports the following relationships: serves as speaker, consultant and Advisory Board member for Novartis and Shire; receives grant research support from Novartis, Shire and Eli Lilly. Dr Mao reports the following relationships: speaker for Novartis, Eli Lilly, Bristol‐Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca and Shire; consultant for Eli Lilly, Novartis and Shire; receives grant research support from Novartis. Mr McCague is an employee of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. He has no other relationships to disclose. Ms Pestreich is an employee of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. She has no other relationships to disclose. Dr Silva reports the following relationships: none since 15 December 2006; before that, she was a speaker for Novartis, AstraZeneca and Janssen; received grant/research support from Novartis and Celgene.

Murray 2011

High

Funding: Ortho‐McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors had affiliations with pharmaceutical companies producing methylphenidate

Musten 1997

Low

Funding: Health Canada grant

Conflicts of interest: none declared

NCT00409708

High

Funding: Novartis

Conflicts of interest: no information on investigators

NCT02293655

Unclear

Funding: Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati

Conflicts of interest: not stated

NCT02536105

High

Funding: Massachusetts General Hospital

Conflicts of interest: trial investigators affiliated with the medical industry

Newcorn 2008

High

Funding: Eli Lilly and Company

Conflicts of interest: Dr Newcorn receives grant support from Eli Lilly and McNeil; is a consultant and/or advisor for Eli Lilly, McNeil, Shire, Novartis and Sanofi‐Aventis; and is a member of Speakers' Bureaus for Eli Lilly and Novartis. Dr Kratochvil receives grant support from Abbott, Cephalon, Eli Lilly, McNeil, Pfizer, Shire and Somerset; receives from Eli Lilly trial medication for an NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)‐funded trial; is a consultant for Abbott, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Pfizer; and is a member of the Eli Lilly Speakers' Bureau. Dr Casat receives research Funding from Eli Lilly, Novartis and Abbott, and serves on an advisory board for Eli Lilly. Dr Allen and Dr Ruff are employees and shareholders of Eli Lilly. Dr Michelson and Dr Moore are former employees of Eli Lilly.

Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)

High

Funding: Shire

Conflicts of interest: trial authors affiliated with pharmaceutical companies

Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)

High

Funding: Shire

Conflicts of interest: trial authors heavily affiliated with pharmaceutical companies

Nikles 2006

Low

Funding: the General Practice Evaluation Program, the Department of Health and Aged Care, Queensland Medical Laboratory, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Conflicts of interest: trial authors have indicated that they have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose

Oesterheld 1998

Low

Funding: University of South Dakota/USF‐Mini Grant

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Overtoom 2003

Low

Funding: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) Grant 575‐63‐082

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Palumbo 2008

High

Funding: NIH (National Institutes of Health) and NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors are on the ADHD Advisory Board and the Speakers' Bureau of; are scientific consultants or principal or site investigators for; and/or have received educational or funding support from several pharmaceutical companies.

Pearson 2013

Low

Funding: grant number MH072263 from National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Pelham 1989

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Pelham 1990a

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Pelham 1993a

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Pelham 1999

High

Funding: grants from the Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company and National Institute of Mental Health (Grants MH53554, MH45576 and MH50467)

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Pelham 2001a

High

Funding: ALZA Corporation, the manufacturers of Concerta

Conflicts of interest: Dr Pelham is a member of the ALZA advisory committee on Concerta and its development. Drs Hoffman and Lock are members of the ALZA paediatric advisory board.

Pelham 2002

High

Funding: NIMH (Grant MH48157)

Conflicts of interest: Pelham served as an advisor for ALZA Corporation (see Pelham 2001a)

Pelham 2005

High

Funding: Noven Pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, Dr Pelham was supported by grants from NIAAA, NIDA, NIMH and NINDS.

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors have received consulting fees and research funding and have been consultants and/or served on the Speakers' Bureaus of several pharmaceutical companies in the past year.

Pelham 2011

High

Funding: grant from Noven Pharmaceuticals

Conflicts of interest: Dr Pelham has served as a consultant for Shire, McNeil, Noven, Celltech/Medeva, Novartis and Abbott Laboratories; has received honoraria from Shire and Janssen and research support from Shire, Alza, Eli Lilly, Noven and Cephalon; and holds common stock in Abbott Laboratories. Dr Waxmonsky has served on the Speakers' Bureau for Novartis and has received research support from Eli Lilly and Shire Incorporated. Dr Hoffman has served on the advisory board and Speakers’ Bureau for Shire Pharmaceuticals and on the Speakers' Bureau for McNeil. Dr Ballow has received research support from GlaxoSmithKline, Panacos, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pharmasset, Jacobus and Pharmena. Dr Schentag has served as a consultant for or received support from Noven, Wyeth, Daiichi, Targanta Therapeutics and Astellas. Dr Gonzalez is a full‐time employee of P’Kinetics International Incorporated. No other conflicts of interest are known.

Pelham 2014

Low

Funding: grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (MH62946). Dr Pelham was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health (MH62946, MH69614, MH53554, MH69434, MH65899, MH78051, MH062946, NS39087, AA11873, DA12414, HD42080) and the Institute of Education Sciences (L03000665A). Dr Fabiano was supported in part by a Ruth S Kirschstein National Research Service Award Predoctoral Fellowship (1F31MH064243‐01A1) and by the Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (R324J06024, R324B06045).

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Perez‐Alvarez 2009

Low

Funding: none. Research was part of the work day, participants were voluntary and no funding was needed to implement the trial

Conflicts of interest: none. Investigators are staff members at institutions (affiliations) reported in the paper.

Pliszka 1990

Low

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Pliszka 2000

High

Funding: Shire Richwood Incorporated

Conflicts of interest: Dr Browne is currently with Watson Pharmaceuticals, Corona, California

Pliszka 2007

High

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health Grant R01 MH63986

Conflicts of interest: Pliszka received honoraria and research support from Shire and MacNeil and research support from Ely Lilly and Cephalon

Pliszka 2017

High

Funding: Ironshore Pharmaceuticals

Conflicts of interest: trial authors affiliated with the medical industry

Quinn 2004

High

Funding: Celgene

Conflicts of interest: all trial authors disclosed that they have past and present affiliations with the pharmaceutical industry.

Ramtvedt 2013

High

Funding: the first phase was conducted as part of ordinary clinical practice at Neuropsychiatric Unit, Østfold Hospital Trust. The second and third phases, data analysis and preparation of manuscript were sponsored by South‐Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, and also by Østfold Hospital Trust and National Resource Centre for ADHD, both under the umbrella of South‐Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.

Conflicts of interest: Henning Aabech is a member of the Strattera Advisory Board, Eli Lilly, Norway.

Rapport 1985

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Rapport 1987

Low

Funding: none, neither external nor internal. This project was supported in part by a Biomedical Research Support Grant (no. S07 RR05712), which was awarded to the first trial author by the Biomedical Research Support Grant Program, Division of Research Resources, National Institutes of Health.

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Rapport 2008

Low

Funding: none

Conflicts of interest: no financial, corporate or commercial relationships to disclose

Reitman 2001

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflict of interest: none

Riggs 2011

High

Funding: OROS methylphenidate and matching placebo were supplied to the Clinical Trials Network contract pharmacy (EMINENT Services Corporation) by McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals (distributor for Concerta), at no cost.

Principal investigators are not employed by the organisation sponsoring the trial. No agreement between principal investigators and trial sponsor (or its agents) restricts the principal investigator's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is complete

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors have received research support from, served on Speakers' Bureaus of or acted as consultants for pharmaceutical companies.

Rubinsten 2008

Low

Funding: the research was completed while Dr Rubinsten was a post‐doctoral fellow at the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC), in Toronto, Canada, and was supported by the Rothschild Fellowship from Israel. It was undertaken, in part, through funding received from the Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR: grant #MOP 64312), a CIHR post‐doctoral fellowship, and the Canada Research Chairs Program (RT).

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Samuels 2006

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Schachar 1997a

High

Funding: Medical Research Council of Canada, National Health Research Development Program of Canada and the Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Placebo pills were provided by Ciba Geigy, Canada, Ltd

Conflicts of interest: 2 trial authors have reported working as consultants for pharmaceutical companies, and 1 has furthermore received industry‐sponsored research grants.

Schachar 2008

High

Funding: Purdue Pharma (Canada)

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors are working for Purdue Pharma

Schrantee 2016

Low

Funding: this trial was funded by faculty resources of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, and by grant 11.32050.26 from the European Research Area Network Priority Medicines for Children (Sixth Framework Programme). Dr Rombouts was supported by Vici (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research), and Dr Andersen was supported by grant DA‐015403 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Conflicts of interest: Dr Niessen reported being cofounder, shareholder, and part‐time scientific officer of Quantib BV. No other disclosures were reported. Through personal correspondence it was clarified that Dr Niessen did not facilitate any part of the trial, but was involved in the data‐analysis of MRI imaging sequence technique used (arterial spin labelling).

Schulz 2010

High

Funding: Novartis Pharma GmbH, Germany. Trial aimed at showing efficacy of Ritalin LA with purpose of obtaining marketing authorisation

Conflicts of interest: almost all trial authors have received grants, research support or other kinds of financial support from the medical industry.

Schwartz 2004

High

Funding: grants from Le Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Conflicts of interest: yes. Dr Joober is a principal investigator on a clinical trial not related to this trial that is sponsored by AstraZeneca Canada Incorporated, and receives no direct compensation for this trial. Dr Boivin has the following industry financial ties: The Litebook Company Ltd., Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; and Pulsar Informatics Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Sharp 1999

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Shiels 2009

High

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health

Conflicts of interest: "In the past 3 years, James G. Waxmonsky has served on the Speakers Bureau for Novartis, received honoraria from Scepter, and received research support from Eli Lilly"

Silva 2005a

High

Funding: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Conflicts of interest: all trial authors have been consultants, have received honoraria or have worked for Novartis.

Silva 2006

High

Funding: Novartis

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors have affiliations with medical companies

Silva 2008

High

Funding: Novartis

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors have affiliations with medical companies

Smith 1998

Low

Funding: grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Smith 2004

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Smithee 1998

Low

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Grant MH 38228; Rafael Klorman

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Solanto 2009

High

Funding: the National Institute of Mental Health

Conflicts of interest: 3 trial authors have served or received grants from pharmaceutical companies in the past.

Soleimani 2017

Low

Funding: Guilan University of Medical Sciences

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Stein 1996

Low

Funding: the work was supported by the Smart Family Foundation.

Conflicts of interest: no affiliations with pharmaceutical companies stated

Stein 2003

High

Funding: the National Institute of Mental Health, the General Clinical Research Center Program of the National Center for Research Resources and the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services

Conflicts of interest: Drs Stein, Robb, Conlon and Newcorn participate in the Speakers' Bureau for McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals, and Drs Stein and Newcorn are members of the Concerta National Advisory Committee.

Stein 2011

High

Funding: investigator‐initiated trial sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, with additional support provided by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS)

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors are affiliated with pharmaceutical companies

Stoner 1994

Low

Funding: National Association of School Psychologists

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Sumner 2010

Unclear

Funding: it was not clear who sponsored the trial, but someone did (see authors' affiliations).

Conflicts of interest: Calvin R Sumner is an employee of and an equity holder for the trial sponsor. Virginia S Haynes, PhD, is an employee of 3i Global (Basking Ridge, NJ) and a paid consultant for the trial sponsor. Martin H Teicher, MD, PhD, served as paid consultant and clinical investigator for the sponsor. Jeffrey H Newcorn, MD, serves as advisor and consultant for Lilly, Ortho‐McNeil Janssen, Schering‐Plough and Shire. He receives research support from Lilly, Ortho‐McNeil Janssen and Shire.

Sunohara 1999

High

Funding: RESTRACOM graduate studentship for The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute and Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Swanson 1998

High

Funding: grant from Richwood Pharmaceutical Company

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Swanson 1999

High

Funding: ALZA Corporation, Palo Alto, California

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Swanson 2002a

High

Funding: ALZA Corporation

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Swanson 2002b

High

Funding: ALZA Corporation

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Swanson 2004b

High

Funding: Celltech Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors are consultants for pharmaceutical companies

Symons 2007

Unclear

Funding: A McKnight Land‐Grant Professorship to the first author

Conflicts of interest: this work was supported, in part, by a McKnight Land‐Grant Professorship to Frank Symons.

Szobot 2004

High

Funding: research funds from Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, FAPERGS and NOVARTIS

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Szobot 2008

High

Funding: "The ADHD outpatient program receives research support from Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Eli‐Lilly, Janssen‐Cilag and Novartis"

Conflicts of interest: trial authors are consultants and speakers for various companies

Tannock 1989

Low

Funding: jointly funded by Ontario Mental Health Foundation (Grant No. 963‐86/88) and Health and Welfare Canada (Grant No. 6606‐3166‐42)

Conflict of interest: not declared

Tannock 1992

Low

Funding: grant from the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation and a post‐doctoral fellowship by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Tannock 1993

Low

Funding: the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation and the Medical Research Council of Canada

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Tannock 1995a

Low

Funding: Medical Research Council of Canada and Health and Welfare Canada

Conflicts of interest: nothing to declare

Tannock 1995b

Low

Funding: in part, by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation and the National Health Research and Development Program, Health Canada

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Tannock 2018

Unclear

Funding: an operating grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Grant # MT 13366), and by the donation of placebo medication from Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Conflict of interest: none declared

Taylor 1987

High

Funding: partially funded by grant from CIBA Ltd., which provided medicine and placebo

Conflicts of interest: Dr Schachar was supported during this period by a fellowship from the Medical Research Council of Canada.

Taylor 1993

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Tervo 2002

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: no conflicts of interest have been disclosed

Tirosh 1993a

Unclear

Funding: none

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Tirosh 1993b

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002

Unclear

Funding: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the General Clinical Research Center, the National Center for Research Resources, the Tourette Syndrome Association Boeringer Ingelheim Inc. (particularly Dr Virgil Dias), for supplying clonidine and matching placebo; Bausch and Lomb, Inc., for supplying small gifts for our trial participants

Conflicts of interest: none declared

Tucker 2009

High

Funding: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors were employed by Novartis (5 of 8 had a Novartis email address)

Ullmann 1985

Unclear

Funding: National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). Ciba‐Geigy provided medication and placebo

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Ullmann 1986

Unclear

Funding: in part by a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) grant. Ciba‐Geigy provided medication and placebo

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Urman 1995

Low

Funding: in part by funds from the Medical Research Council of Canada and the Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Van der Meere 1999a

High

Funding: grants from the Sophia Foundation for Medical Research and Boehringer Ingelheim BV, the Netherlands

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Wallace 1994

Low

Funding: The Veterans Administration Medical Center, Vermont

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Wallander 1987

Low

Funding: in part by Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) grants and the University of Southern California Faculty Research and Innovation Fund

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Waxmonsky 2008

High

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Grant MH62946 and a Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Depression Research

Conflicts of interest: several authors have affiliations with pharmaceutical companies

Weiss 2021

High

Funding: Rhodes Pharmaceuticals, LP

Conflict of interest: the trial authors are affiliated with the medical industry.

Whalen 1990

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Wigal 2003

High

Funding: Celltech Americas Incorporated

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors are working for Celltech Americas Incorporated

Wigal 2004

High

Funding: Celgene Corporation

Conflicts of interest: Dr Wigal reports extensive disclosure.

Wigal 2011

High

Funding: Ortho‐McNeil‐Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. Phase IV trial

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors had affiliations with pharmaceutical companies producing methylphenidate

Wigal 2013

High

Funding: trial received funds from NextWave Pharmaceutics (Belden and Berry are with NextWave)

Conflicts of interest: all trial authors are affiliated with NextWave Pharmaceuticals.

Wigal 2014

High

Funding: Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LP

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors work for, or have received grant and research support or both from pharmaceutical companies

Wigal 2015

High

Funding: Rhodes Pharmaceuticals […]. Medical writing assistance was provided by Linda Wagner, PharmD, from Excel Scientific Solutions and funded by Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LP

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Wigal 2017

High

Funding: the research was sponsored by NextWave Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer, Inc.

Conflicts of interest: trial authors are affiliated with the medical industry

Wilens 2006b

High

Funding: McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors have had commitments (e.g. speakers, consultants, advisors) with various pharmaceutical companies

Wilens 2008

High

Funding: Shire Development Incorporated

Conflicts of interest: several trial authors have affiliations with medical companies

Wilens 2010

High

Funding: trial and medication/placebo were funded by a grant through Shire Pharmaceuticals. Shire had no role in design, collection, analysis, interpretation, writing or decision to submit

Conflicts of interest: some trial authors have received research support from medical companies

Wilkison 1995

Low

Funding: a University of Utah Biomedical Sciences research grant and a grant from the University Research Committee

Conflicts of interest: no corporate affiliations described

Wodrich 1998

Unclear

Funding: not declared

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Wolraich 2001

High

Funding: ALZA Corporation

Conflicts of interest: trial authors are part of the Concerta Study Group

Zeiner 1999

Low

Funding: the Norwegian Medical Research Council, the Norwegian Public Health Association and the Legacy of Haldis and Josef Andresen

Conflicts of interest: not declared

Zeni 2009

High

Funding: research grants from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq, Brazil) (Grant 471761=03‐6) and Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (GPPG 03‐325). Aripiprazole was provided by Bristol‐Myers Squibb without restriction.

Conflicts of interest: stated, "this is an independent investigator trial"; however some study authors have affiliations with medical companies.

ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; BV: besloten vennootschap (corresponding to a private limited liability company (LLC) in the USA); DFG: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; NIH: National Institutes of Health; Inc.: Incorporated; IWK: Izaak Walton Killam; LA: Long acting; Ldt.: Limited liability; LLC: Limited liability company; LP: Limited partnership; MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging; NIAAA: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; NIDA: National Institute on Drug Abuse; NIMH: National Institute of Mental Health; NINDS: National institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; OROS: osmotic‐release oral system; PI: Primary Investigator; ZonMw: Organisation for Health Research and Development in the Netherlands

Figures and Tables -
Table 1. Vested interest of included studies
Table 2. Key demographics of included studies

Key demographics

Number of trials

Cross‐over trials

Parallel trials

Sample size

Sample size above 100 participants

49

17 trials: Ahmann 1993Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Brams 2012CRIT124US02Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Huang 2021Kollins 2006 (PATS)Manos 1999NCT02039908Pelham 2002Schulz 2010Swanson 2004bUllmann 1986Waxmonsky 2008Wilens 2008

 

33 trials: Biederman 2003bChildress 2009Childress 2020aChildress 2020bCoghill 2013Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Horn 1991Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Kollins 2021Lin 2014Matthijssen 2019McCracken 2016NCT00409708NCT02293655Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tucker 2009Weiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

Risk of bias

Trials with low risk of bias

21

13 trials: Cook 1993DuPaul 1996Flapper 2008Kollins 2006 (PATS)McGough 2006Moshe 2012Rapport 2008Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2011Waxmonsky 2008Wilkison 1995Zeni 2009

9 trials: Childress 2020aJacobi‐Polishook 2009Kollins 2006 (PATS)Lehmkuhl 2002Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Schrantee 2016Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Weiss 2021

Setting

Outpatient

186

134 trials: Abikoff 2009Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Barkley 2000Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Blum 2011Borcherding 1990Brams 2008Brams 2012Brown 1984aBrown 1988Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Castellanos 1997Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Cook 1993Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Cox 2006Döpfner 2004Douglas 1986Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Epstein 2011Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Fine 1993Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hawk 2018Hoeppner 1997Huang 2021Johnston 1988Kelly 1989Kent 1999Klorman 1990Kollins 2006 (PATS)Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Kritchman 2019Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Manos 1999McBride 1988aMcGough 2006McInnes 2007Merrill 2021Moshe 2012Muniz 2008Murray 2011Musten 1997NCT02039908NCT02536105Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Overtoom 2003Pearson 2013Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2005Pelham 2011Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Quinn 2004Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Samuels 2006Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Silva 2006Silva 2008Smith 1998Smith 2004Smithee 1998Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2003Stein 2011Sumner 2010Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Szobot 2008Tannock 1989Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1987Taylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUllmann 1986Waxmonsky 2008Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999Zeni 2009

52 trials: Arnold 2004Barragán 2017Biederman 2003bButter 1983Carlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cCoghill 2013Connor 2000Duric 2012Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Firestone 1981Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Heriot 2008Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Martins 2004Matthijssen 2019NCT00409708NCT02293655Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2000Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Schrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999aWeiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

 

 

Inpatient

9

9 trials: Brown 1991Carlson 1995Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Kent 1995Konrad 2005Pelham 1993aPelham 2002Solanto 2009Wallace 1994

0 trials

Both outpatient and inpatient

8

7 trials: Garfinkel 1983Hicks 1985Kaplan 1990Kolko 1999Konrad 2004Tannock 1992Wallander 1987

1 trial: Green 2011

Laboratory classroom

21

17 trials: Brams 2008Brams 2012Lopez 2003Murray 2011Oesterheld 1998Schachar 2008Sharp 1999Silva 2005aSilva 2006Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bWigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2014Wilens 2008

4 trials: Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bKollins 2021

 

Naturalistic school setting

3

1 trial: Ullmann 1986

2 trials: Biederman 2003bGreenhill 2006

Summer school/summer treatment camp/summer treatment programme/summer research programme

21

21 trials: Bukstein 1998Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Fabiano 2007Johnston 1988Kolko 1999Leddy 2009Merrill 2021NCT02039908Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2005Pelham 2014Reitman 2001Shiels 2009Smith 1998Waxmonsky 2008Whalen 1990

0 trials

Not stated

8

6 trials: Bliznakova 2007CRIT124US02Pliszka 2007Stoner 1994Ullmann 1985Urman 1995

2 trials: Brown 1985McCracken 2016

Research unit at hospital

0

0 trials

1 trial: Schachar 1997a

Psychiatric comorbidities (if specific data on participant comorbidities were available, we used this information for the table. If not, but some psychiatric comorbidities were part of the inclusion/exclusion criteria, we used them for the table). Learning disorders are not included in this table.

Only ODD and/or CD and/or ODD and/or socially aggressive and/or disturbance in social behavior

52

39 trials: Brown 1988Brown 1991Bukstein 1998Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Döpfner 2004Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Findling 2007bForness 1992Hawk 2018Johnston 1988Kelly 1989Kent 1995Leddy 2009McGough 2006Merrill 2021Musten 1997Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2011Pliszka 2007Schulz 2010Shiels 2009Smith 1998Solanto 2009Stein 1996Sunohara 1999Tannock 1989Tannock 1995aTaylor 1987Waxmonsky 2008Zeiner 1999

13 trials: Carlson 2007Findling 2008Heriot 2008Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Lin 2014Martins 2004McCracken 2016Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Tannock 2018

Only ODD and/or CD and/or OCD and/or anxiety disorder and/or specific developmental disorders and/or mood disorders and/or adjustment disorder and/or depression/dysthymia and/or sleep disorders and/or communication disorders and/or Asperger syndrome and/or trichotillomania and/or tic disorder

57

46 trials: Abikoff 2009Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Blum 2011 Buitelaar 1995Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Coghill 2007Epstein 2011Fitzpatrick 1992aNCT02039908Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Gadow 2011Hale 2011Klorman 1990cKolko 1999Konrad 2004Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Lijffijt 2006McInnes 2007Murray 2011NCT02536105Overtoom 2003Pearson 2013Pliszka 1990Ramtvedt 2013Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Smithee 1998Stein 2003Stein 2011Swanson 2004bSzobot 2008Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995bUrman 1995dWigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2010Zeni 2009e

11 trials: Duric 2012Green 2011Jensen 1999 (MTA)Lehmkuhl 2002Pliszka 2000Riggs 2011Schachar 1997aSzobot 2004Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Van der Meere 1999aWolraich 2001

All had ODD and/or CD/and or disruptive behavior disorder

4

3 trials: Carlson 1995Gadow 1990Kaplan 1990f

1 trial: Connor 2000

All had Tourette's syndrome or chronic motor tics

5

4 trials: Castellanos 1997Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011

1 trial: Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002

All had bipolar disorder or borderline personality

2

2 trials: Findling 2007Zeni 2009

0 trials

All had a non‐nicotine substance use disorder

2

1 trial: Szobot 2008

1 trial: Riggs 2011

Some psychiatric comorbidities excluded

20

11 trials: Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Cook 1993Douglas 1986Gadow 1990Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Konrad 2005Oesterheld 1998Silva 2006Silva 2008Wodrich 1998

9 trials: Barragán 2017Brown 1985Childress 2020cFirestone 1981;Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Matthijssen 2019NCT02293655Wigal 2015Wilens 2006b

Some psychiatric comorbidities and substance use excluded

23

11 trials: Borcherding 1990Brams 2008Brams 2012Kaplan 1990Kritchman 2019Lopez 2003Murray 2011Silva 2005aSumner 2010Wigal 2003Wigal 2011

12 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bChildress 2009Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bFindling 2006Kollins 2021Pliszka 2017Schrantee 2016Weiss 2021Wigal 2004

Substance use excluded

2

0 trials

2 trials: Coghill 2013Findling 2010

Psychiatric comorbidities allowed

6

5 trials: Cox 2006Gadow 2011Kent 1999Kollins 2006 (PATS)Symons 2007

2 trials: Coghill 2013Kollins 2006 (PATS)

No psychiatric comorbidities

21

15 trials: Flapper 2008Garfinkel 1983Huang 2021Lufi 1997Moshe 2012Muniz 2008Quinn 2004Schachar 2008Soleimani 2017Swanson 1998Swanson 2002aTirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bWilens 2008Wilkison 1995

6 trials: Findling 2010Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Perez‐Alvarez 2009Tucker 2009Wigal 2017

Not stated or unclear

35

33 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 2000Bliznakova 2007Brown 1984aCRIT124US02Fabiano 2007Fine 1993Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Lufi 2007Manos 1999McBride 1988aMerrill 2021Nikles 2006Pelham 2005Pelham 2014Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Samuels 2006Smith 2004Stoner 1994Swanson 1999Swanson 2002bTaylor 1993Tervo 2002Ullmann 1985Ullmann 1986Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Whalen 1990

2 trials: Butter 1983NCT00409708

Comedication (some trialsin more than one category)

None allowed

35

27 trials: Brown 1988Bukstein 1998Gadow 1995Garfinkel 1983Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Klorman 1990Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Leddy 2009Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Moshe 2012Muniz 2008NCT02536105Pliszka 1990Ramtvedt 2013Rubinsten 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Solanto 2009Swanson 1998Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bWigal 2003Wilkison 1995

9 trials: Carlson 2007Childress 2017Heriot 2008Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Kollins 2006 (PATS)Perez‐Alvarez 2009Tucker 2009Wigal 2017

No medication for chronic conditions or no long‐term use of any medicine

2

1 trial: Pliszka 2007

1 trial: Barragán 2017

Allergy medication allowed

2

1 trial: Brown 1991

1 trial: Childress 2009

Non‐sedating antihistamines; acetaminophen (paracetamol); ibuprofen; antibiotics for treatment of a minor illness; and vitamins allowed

1

0 trials

1 trial: Childress 2020c

Haloperidol allowed

1

1 trial: Castellanos 1997

0 trials

Comedication allowed with few or no exceptions

3

2 trials: McBride 1988aPelham 1989

1 trial: Matthijssen 2019

CNS medications excluded

9

6 trials: Abikoff 2009Barkley 1991Corkum 2008McGough 2006Pelham 2001aStein 2011

3 trials: Arnold 2004Findling 2008McCracken 2016

CNS medications excluded except for bronchodilators

3

1 trial: Wigal 2011

2 trials: Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)

No concurrent treatment with other psychoactive drugs; or currently receiving psychotropic medication; or no other psychotropic medication during the trial/psychotropic medication had to be discontinued for > 6/3 weeks prior to screening; or no psychiatric medication for the past 6 months; or no prior psychotropic medication use; or no use of other medication for ADHD; or no current medication; or no current or previous use of medication that influences the dopamine system

43

26 trials: Blum 2011Brams 2008Brams 2012Corkum 2008DuPaul 1996NCT02039908Forness 1992Froehlich 2018Hawk 2018Huang 2021Oesterheld 1998Pelham 2001aPelham 2011Quinn 2004Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Schachar 2008Shiels 2009Silva 2006Smithee 1998Stein 2003Stein 2011Taylor 1987Waxmonsky 2008Wigal 2013Zeiner 1999

17 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bBrown 1985Findling 2008Green 2011Greenhill 2006Lehmkuhl 2002Martins 2004Newcorn 2008Palumbo 2008Riggs 2011Schrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Van der Meere 1999aWigal 2015Wolraich 2001

Exclusion of some specified medications including some psychostimulants and or other medication

15

7 trials: Findling 2007McGough 2006Pearson 2013Silva 2006Silva 2008Sumner 2010Wigal 2014

8 trials: Findling 2010Greenhill 2002NCT02293655Pliszka 2017Weiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wilens 2006b

Washout for some psychotropic medications specified

1

1 trial: Gadow 2007

0 trials

Comedication for comorbidities allowed

2

1 trial: Buitelaar 1995

1 trial: Van der Meere 1999a

Stable psychotropic medication was continued throughout the trial

1

1 trial: Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010

0 trials

Comedication as part of the trial design

10

6 trials: Carlson 1995Findling 2007Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Kaplan 1990Szobot 2008gZeni 2009

4 trials: Carlson 2007Connor 2000McCracken 2016Riggs 2011g

Not stated

98

82 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 2000Bhat 2020Bliznakova 2007Borcherding 1990Brown 1984aChacko 2005Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Cook 1993Corkum 2020Cox 2006CRIT124US02Döpfner 2004Douglas 1986Douglas 1995Epstein 2011Fabiano 2007Fine 1993Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Froehlich 2011Gadow 1990Gadow 2011Hale 2011Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Johnston 1988Kelly 1989Kent 1995Kent 1999Kolko 1999Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Kritchman 2019Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Manos 1999McInnes 2007Merrill 2021Murray 2011Musten 1997Nikles 2006Overtoom 2003Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2002Pelham 2005Pelham 2014Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Samuels 2006Sharp 1999Silva 2005aSmith 1998Smith 2004Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stoner 1994Sunohara 1999Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1993Tervo 2002Ullmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Whalen 1990Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Wodrich 1998

16 trials: Butter 1983Childress 2020aChildress 2020bCoghill 2013Connor 2000Duric 2012hFindling 2006Firestone 1981Horn 1991Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2021Lin 2014NCT00409708Pliszka 2000Schachar 1997aTannock 2018

Cotherapy

Cognitive training/behavioral therapy/parent training as part of the intervention

15

5 trials: Döpfner 2004Fabiano 2007Kolko 1999Pelham 2014Waxmonsky 2008

 

10 trials: Brown 1985Firestone 1981Heriot 2008Horn 1991iJensen 1999 (MTA)NCT00409708Palumbo 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Riggs 2011Tucker 2009

Ongoing behavioral therapy permitted; but new therapy was not allowed to be initiated

1

0 trials

1 trial: Biederman 2003b

Only psychotherapy initiated > 3 months before screening allowed

3

1 trial: Brams 2012

 

 

2 trials: Childress 2009Greenhill 2006

Not allowed to start psychosocial therapy

1

0 trials

1 trial: Matthijssen 2019

No psychotherapy initiated within 3 months before screening

3

3 trials: Muniz 2008Silva 2006Silva 2008

 

0 trials

Behaviour management treatment/uncontrolled parent training prior to medication phase as part of the trial design

2

1 trial: Kollins 2006 (PATS)

 

2 trials: Childress 2020cKollins 2006 (PATS)

 

No current behavioral intervention allowed

3

2 trials: Froehlich 2018Lufi 1997

 

1 trial: NCT02293655;

Not stated

184

145 trials: Abikoff 2009Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Barkley 2000Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Bliznakova 2007Blum 2011Borcherding 1990Brams 2008Brown 1984aBrown 1988Brown 1991Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Cook 1993Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Cox 2006CRIT124US02Douglas 1986Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Epstein 2011Findling 2007Fine 1993Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hawk 2018Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Huang 2021Johnston 1988Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Kent 1995Kent 1999Klorman 1990Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Kritchman 2019Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Lufi 2007Manos 1999McBride 1988aMcGough 2006McInnes 2007Merrill 2021Moshe 2012Murray 2011Musten 1997NCT02039908NCT02536105Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Overtoom 2003Pearson 2013Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2005Pelham 2011Pliszka 1990Pliszka 2007Quinn 2004Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Samuels 2006Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSmith 1998Smith 2004Smithee 1998Solanto 2009Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2003Stein 2011Stoner 1994Sumner 2010Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Szobot 2008Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1987Taylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUllmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999Zeni 2009

39 trials: Arnold 2004Barragán 2017Butter 1983Carlson 2007Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bCoghill 2013Connor 2000Duric 2012hFindling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Green 2011Greenhill 2002Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Martins 2004McCracken 2016Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Pliszka 2000Pliszka 2017Schachar 1997aSchrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Van der Meere 1999aWeiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

 

Participant mean age

2‐6 years

6

4 trials: Chacko 2005Kollins 2006 (PATS)Musten 1997Reitman 2001

3 trials: Childress 2020cHeriot 2008Kollins 2006 (PATS)

7‐11 years

172

128 trials: Abikoff 2009Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Blum 2011Borcherding 1990Brams 2008Brams 2012Brown 1984aBuitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Castellanos 1997Chronis 2003Cook 1993Corkum 2020Döpfner 2004Douglas 1986Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Epstein 2011Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Fine 1993Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hawk 2018Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Huang 2021Johnston 1988Kelly 1989Kent 1995Kolko 1999Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Kritchman 2019Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Manos 1999McBride 1988aMcGough 2006McInnes 2007Merrill 2021Moshe 2012Muniz 2008Murray 2011NCT02536105Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Overtoom 2003Pearson 2013Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2005Pelham 2011Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 1985Rapport 2008Rubinsten 2008Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Smith 2004Smithee 1998Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2003Stein 2011Stoner 1994Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1987Taylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUllmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999Zeni 2009

44 trials: Barragán 2017Biederman 2003bBrown 1985Carlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bCoghill 2013Connor 2000Duric 2012Findling 2006Findling 2008Firestone 1981Green 2011Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Martins 2004McCracken 2016NCT00409708NCT02293655Newcorn 2008Palumbo 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2000Pliszka 2017Schachar 1997aSchrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999aWigal 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wolraich 2001

12‐18 years

17

10 trials: Barkley 2000Bliznakova 2007Brown 1988Brown 1991Cox 2006CRIT124US02Kaplan 1990Pliszka 2007Smith 1998Szobot 2008

7 trials: Findling 2010Matthijssen 2019Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Riggs 2011Weiss 2021Wilens 2006b

Not stated

17

15 trials: Ahmann 1993Carlson 1995Coghill 2007Corkum 2008Gadow 1990Kent 1999Klorman 1990Leddy 2009NCT02039908Pelham 1989Quinn 2004Rapport 1987Samuels 2006Solanto 2009Sumner 2010

2 trials: Arnold 2004Butter 1983

 

Sex

Only male participants

35

30 trials: Bliznakova 2007Borcherding 1990Brown 1984aBrown 1988Brown 1991Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Coghill 2007Cook 1993Forness 1992Gadow 1990Garfinkel 1983Johnston 1988Kaplan 1990Kolko 1999Merrill 2021Moshe 2012Overtoom 2003Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 2002Pelham 2011Quinn 2004Smith 2004Stein 1996Stoner 1994Szobot 2008Taylor 1987Wilkison 1995Zeiner 1999

5 trials: Butter 1983Connor 2000Martins 2004Schrantee 2016Szobot 2004

 

 

Only female participants

2

2 trials: CRIT124US02Sharp 1999

0 trials

Both male and female participants

167

119 trials: Abikoff 2009Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Barkley 2000Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Blum 2011Brams 2008Brams 2012Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Cox 2006Döpfner 2004Douglas 1986Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hawk 2018Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Huang 2021Kelly 1989Kent 1995Kent 1999Klorman 1990Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Kritchman 2019Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Manos 1999McBride 1988aMcGough 2006McInnes 2007Muniz 2008Murray 2011Musten 1997NCT02039908NCT02536105Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Pearson 2013Pelham 1989Pelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2005Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Pliszka 2007Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Smith 1998Smithee 1998Soleimani 2017Stein 2003Stein 2011Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUllmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Wodrich 1998Zeni 2009

49 trial: Arnold 2004Barragán 2017Biederman 2003bCarlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cCoghill 2013Duric 2012Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Firestone 1981Green 2011Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Heriot 2008Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Matthijssen 2019McCracken 2016NCT00409708NCT02293655Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Schachar 1997aTannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999aWeiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

Not stated

8

6 trials: Epstein 2011Fine 1993Samuels 2006Solanto 2009Sumner 2010Wallace 1994

2 trials: Brown 1985Pliszka 2000

Diagnostic classification

DSM‐III

30

27 trials: Borcherding 1990Brown 1984aBrown 1988Cook 1993Douglas 1986Douglas 1995Fitzpatrick 1992aGadow 1990Garfinkel 1983Hicks 1985Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Klorman 1990McBride 1988aPelham 1989Pliszka 1990Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Taylor 1987Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUllmann 1985Ullmann 1986Wallander 1987

3 trials: Brown 1985Butter 1983Firestone 1981

DSM‐III‐R

42

37 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Brown 1991Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Castellanos 1997Chacko 2005Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Fine 1993Forness 1992Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Hoeppner 1997Johnston 1988Kent 1995Kolko 1999Musten 1997Overtoom 2003Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 2002Smith 1998Stein 1996Stoner 1994Sunohara 1999Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1993Urman 1995Wallace 1994Whalen 1990Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999

5 trials: Connor 2000Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Schachar 1997aVan der Meere 1999a

DSM‐IV

105

77 trials: Abikoff 2009Barkley 2000Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Brams 2008Brams 2012Carlson 1995Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Corkum 2008Cox 2006Döpfner 2004Epstein 2011Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Flapper 2008Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 2011Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Hawk 2018Kent 1999Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Manos 1999Moshe 2012Muniz 2008Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Pearson 2013Pelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2005Pelham 2011Pelham 2014Pliszka 2007Quinn 2004Rapport 2008Rubinsten 2008Samuels 2006Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Smith 2004Smithee 1998Solanto 2009Stein 2003Stein 2011Sumner 2010Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Szobot 2008Tervo 2002Waxmonsky 2008Wigal 2003Wigal 2013Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Zeiner 1999Zeni 2009

29 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bCarlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2017Findling 2006Findling 2010Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Heriot 2008Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Lehmkuhl 2002Martins 2004McCracken 2016NCT00409708Newcorn 2008Palumbo 2008Pliszka 2000Riggs 2011Schrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tucker 2009Wigal 2004Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

DSM‐IV‐TR

21

12 trials: Blum 2011Corkum 2020NCT02039908Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Hale 2011McGough 2006McInnes 2007Murray 2011Ramtvedt 2013Soleimani 2017Wigal 2011Wigal 2014

9 trials: Barragán 2017Coghill 2013Findling 2008Green 2011Lin 2014Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Perez‐Alvarez 2009Wigal 2015

DSM‐5

10

3 trials: Gadow 2007Huang 2021NCT02536105

7 trials: Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cKollins 2021NCT02293655Pliszka 2017Weiss 2021

ICD‐10

3

2 trials: Bliznakova 2007Döpfner 2004

1 trial: Duric 2012

Not stated

6

4 trials: CRIT124US02Kritchman 2019Merrill 2021Reitman 2001

2 trials: Matthijssen 2019Wigal 2017

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder subtype

Combined type only

14

12 trials: Blum 2011Coghill 2007Cook 1993Douglas 1995Konrad 2005Overtoom 2003Pliszka 2007Rapport 2008Schachar 2008Soleimani 2017Symons 2007Tannock 1989

2 trials: Connor 2000Jensen 1999 (MTA)

Hyperactive type only

2

2 trials: Bliznakova 2007Forness 1992

0 trials

Multiple subtypes

101

64 trials: Abikoff 2009Barkley 1991Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Brams 2008Brams 2012Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Cox 2006CRIT124US02Döpfner 2004Epstein 2011Findling 2007Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Hale 2011Huang 2021Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Manos 1999McBride 1988aMcGough 2006McInnes 2007Moshe 2012Muniz 2008Murray 2011Oesterheld 1998Pearson 2013Pelham 1989Pelham 2011Quinn 2004Ramtvedt 2013Rubinsten 2008Schulz 2010Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Smithee 1998Solanto 2009Stein 1996Stein 2003Stein 2011Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSzobot 2008Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aUllmann 1985Waxmonsky 2008Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Zeni 2009

38 trials: Arnold 2004Barragán 2017Biederman 2003bCarlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cCoghill 2013Findling 2006Findling 2008Green 2011Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Heriot 2008Kollins 2006 (PATS)Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Martins 2004McCracken 2016Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Schrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Weiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wolraich 2001

Not stated

95

79 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 2000Borcherding 1990Brown 1984aBrown 1988Brown 1991Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Douglas 1986DuPaul 1996Fabiano 2007Fine 1993Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Hawk 2018Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Johnston 1988Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Kent 1995Kent 1999Klorman 1990Kolko 1999Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Kritchman 2019Lopez 2003Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Merrill 2021Musten 1997NCT02039908NCT02536105Nikles 2006Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2005Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Reitman 2001Samuels 2006Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Smith 1998Smith 2004Stoner 1994Sumner 2010Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1987Taylor 1993Tirosh 1993bUllmann 1986Urman 1995Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999

16 trials: Brown 1985Butter 1983Duric 2012Findling 2010Firestone 1981Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Matthijssen 2019NCT00409708NCT02293655Pliszka 2000Tannock 2018Schachar 1997a;Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999aWilens 2006b

 

Methylphenidate ‐naive

100%

35

29 trials: Abikoff 2009Buitelaar 1995Coghill 2007Cook 1993Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Epstein 2011Fine 1993Flapper 2008Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Kelly 1989Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Lufi 1997Moshe 2012Oesterheld 1998Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 1987Stoner 1994Sunohara 1999Szobot 2008Taylor 1987Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUrman 1995Wallander 1987Zeiner 1999

8 trials: Barragán 2017Heriot 2008Kollins 2006 (PATS)Perez‐Alvarez 2009Schachar 1997aSchrantee 2016Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999a

50%‐99%

38

23 trials: Barkley 1989bBedard 2008Douglas 1986Douglas 1995Fitzpatrick 1992aGadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gorman 2006Kaplan 1990Kent 1995Klorman 1990McBride 1988aMcInnes 2007Murray 2011Musten 1997Pearson 2013Pliszka 2007Smithee 1998Stein 2003Tannock 1992Tannock 1995a

15 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bChildress 2009Coghill 2013Connor 2000Findling 2008Findling 2010Green 2011Ialongo 1994Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2021Lin 2014Weiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015

1%‐49%

27

17 trials: Borcherding 1990Carlson 1995Chronis 2003Hawk 2018Leddy 2009McGough 2006Nikles 2006Pelham 2005Schachar 2008Schwartz 2004Smith 1998Solanto 2009Stein 1996Stein 2011Tannock 1989Taylor 1993Wilens 2010

10 trials: Carlson 2007Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Lehmkuhl 2002Newcorn 2008Palumbo 2008Pliszka 2000Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

0%

35

29 trials: Bliznakova 2007Brams 2008Brams 2012Döpfner 2004Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Lufi 2007Muniz 2008Overtoom 2003Pelham 2001aPelham 2011Quinn 2004Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Schulz 2010Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Smith 2004Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bWhalen 1990Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilkison 1995

6 trials: Childress 2017Childress 2020bFindling 2006Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Matthijssen 2019Pliszka 2017

Not stated or unclear

76

59 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1991Barkley 2000Bhat 2020jBlum 2011Brown 1984aBrown 1988Brown 1991Bukstein 1998Castellanos 1997Chacko 2005Cox 2006CRIT124US02DuPaul 1996Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Gadow 2007Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Huang 2021Johnston 1988Kent 1999Kolko 1999Konrad 2005Kritchman 2019Manos 1999Merrill 2021NCT02039908NCT02536105Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2002Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Rapport 1985Rapport 2008Samuels 2006Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Soleimani 2017Sumner 2010Symons 2007Tannock 1993Tannock 1995bTervo 2002Ullmann 1985Ullmann 1986Wallace 1994Waxmonsky 2008Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wilens 2008Wodrich 1998Zeni 2009

17 trials: Brown 1985Butter 1983Childress 2020aChildress 2020cDuric 2012Firestone 1981Horn 1991Martins 2004McCracken 2016NCT00409708NCT02293655Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Riggs 2011Szobot 2004Tannock 2018Wigal 2017

 

 

Methylphenidate release

Extended‐release and/or 

modified‐release

61

32 trials: Abikoff 2009Blum 2011Brams 2008Brams 2012Corkum 2020Cox 2006CRIT124US02Epstein 2011Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Hawk 2018Huang 2021Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Lopez 2003Muniz 2008Murray 2011NCT02039908NCT02536105Schulz 2010Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Stein 2003Stein 2011Sumner 2010Swanson 2004bSzobot 2008Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014

29 trials: Barragán 2017Biederman 2003bCarlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cCoghill 2013Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Matthijssen 2019McCracken 2016NCT00409708NCT02293655Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2017kRiggs 2011Tucker 2009Weiss 2021Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wilens 2006b

Immediate‐release

101

83 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Barkley 2000Bhat 2020Borcherding 1990Brown 1984aBrown 1988Brown 1991Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Corkum 2008Douglas 1986DuPaul 1996Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Forness 1992Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gorman 2006Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Kent 1995Kent 1999Klorman 1990Kolko 1999Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kritchman 2019Leddy 2009Manos 1999McBride 1988aMerrill 2021Moshe 2012Musten 1997Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Pelham 1989Pelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2002Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Pliszka 2007Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 2008Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Smith 1998Smith 2004Smithee 1998Solanto 2009Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Sunohara 1999Swanson 1999Swanson 2002alTannock 1989Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTaylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bWallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Whalen 1990Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999Zeni 2009

19 trials: Arnold 2004Brown 1985Connor 2000Duric 2012Firestone 1981Green 2011Heriot 2008Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Martins 2004Palumbo 2008Pliszka 2000Schachar 1997aSzobot 2004Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Van der Meere 1999aWigal 2004

Transdermal patch

5

4 trials: McGough 2006Pelham 2005Wilens 2008Wilens 2010

1 trial: Findling 2010

Both immediate‐release and transdermal patch administered during the trial

1

1 trial: Pelham 2011

0 trials

Both Immediate‐release and extended‐release and/or 

modified‐release administered during the trial

11

9 trials: Döpfner 2004Fitzpatrick 1992aJohnston 1988Pearson 2013Pelham 1990aPelham 2001aSchachar 2008Swanson 2002bWigal 2003

2 trials: Findling 2006Wolraich 2001

Both transdermal patch and extended‐release administered during the trial

1

0 trials

1 trial: Findling 2008

Not stated or unclear

32

28 trials: Bedard 2008Bliznakova 2007Cook 1993Douglas 1995Fine 1993Flapper 2008Lijffijt 2006Lufi 1997Lufi 2007McInnes 2007Overtoom 2003Quinn 2004Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Samuels 2006Stoner 1994Swanson 1998Symons 2007Tannock 1992Tannock 1995bTaylor 1987Ullmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallace 1994Wilkison 1995

4 trials: Butter 1983Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Schrantee 2016

Dosage

Low dose (≤ 20 mg/d or ≤ 0.6 mg/kg/d)

51

43 trials: Barkley 2000Bhat 2020Brams 2008Brown 1984aBrown 1991Buitelaar 1995Cook 1993Douglas 1986Garfinkel 1983Gruber 2007Hale 2011Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Kent 1995Konrad 2004Kritchman 2019Lufi 1997Lufi 2007McGough 2006McInnes 2007Moshe 2012Oesterheld 1998Overtoom 2003Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 2002Quinn 2004Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Schulz 2010Silva 2006Silva 2008Smith 2004Stoner 1994Symons 2007Tervo 2002Whalen 1990Wilens 2010Wilkison 1995Zeiner 1999

8 trials: Brown 1985Butter 1983Green 2011Heriot 2008Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Kollins 2006 (PATS)mMcCracken 2016Van der Meere 1999a

Moderate/high dose (> 20 mg/day or > 0.6 mg/kg/d)

57

29 trials: Abikoff 2009Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBlum 2011Borcherding 1990Bukstein 1998Castellanos 1997Corkum 2020Cox 2006Döpfner 2004Epstein 2011Forness 1992Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gorman 2006Hawk 2018Huang 2021Klorman 1990McBride 1988aMurray 2011Pelham 2011Ramtvedt 2013Schachar 2008Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Smithee 1998Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014

28 trials: Barragán 2017Carlson 2007Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cCoghill 2013Connor 2000Firestone 1981Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Jensen 1999 (MTA)Matthijssen 2019Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Pliszka 2000Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Schachar 1997aSchrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Weiss 2021Wigal 2017Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

Both low and moderate/high dose were given in a cross‐over design or in different arms in a parallel trial

75

68 trials: Barkley 1991Bedard 2008Brams 2012Brown 1988Carlson 1995Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Corkum 2008Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Fine 1993Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Johnston 1988Kent 1999Kolko 1999Kollins 2006 (PATS)nKonrad 2005Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Manos 1999Merrill 2021Muniz 2008Musten 1997Pearson 2013Pelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2005Pliszka 1990Pliszka 2007Silva 2005aSmith 1998Solanto 2009Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2003Stein 2011Sumner 2010Sunohara 1999Swanson 2004bSzobot 2008Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1993Tirosh 1993aUllmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Wigal 2003Wodrich 1998Zeni 2009

7 trials: Childress 2009Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Lin 2014Martins 2004Wigal 2004Wigal 2015

Not stated or unclear

30

17 trials: Bliznakova 2007CRIT124US02Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017NCT02039908NCT02536105Nikles 2006Pelham 2001aPelham 2014Samuels 2006Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bTaylor 1987Tirosh 1993bWallace 1994Wilens 2008

13 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bDuric 2012Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002NCT00409708NCT02293655Perez‐Alvarez 2009Tannock 2018Tucker 2009

Duration of intervention

Single day/single dosage

9

7 trials: Kritchman 2019Lopez 2003Murray 2011Overtoom 2003Samuels 2006Wigal 2011Wilkison 1995

2 trials: Green 2011Jacobi‐Polishook 2009

2‐14 days

104

92 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989boBarkley 2000Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Bliznakova 2007Blum 2011Brams 2008Brams 2012Brown 1984aBrown 1991Bukstein 1998Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Döpfner 2004Douglas 1986Douglas 1995Epstein 2011Fine 1993Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010pGruber 2007Hawk 2018Hoeppner 1997Huang 2021Johnston 1988Kent 1995Kent 1999Klorman 1990Kolko 1999Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Lijffijt 2006McBride 1988aMcGough 2006McInnes 2007Moshe 2012NCT02039908Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2005Pelham 2011Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Quinn 2004Ramtvedt 2013Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Smith 2004Smithee 1998Stoner 1994Sumner 2010Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUrman 1995Wallace 1994Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Wodrich 1998Zeni 2009

12 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bButter 1983Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cKollins 2021Szobot 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wilens 2006b

15 days‐6 months

93

56 trials: Abikoff 2009Barkley 1991Borcherding 1990Brown 1988Buitelaar 1995Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Coghill 2007Cook 1993Cox 2006CRIT124US02DuPaul 1996Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gorman 2006Hale 2011Hicks 1985qKaplan 1990Kollins 2006 (PATS)Leddy 2009Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Manos 1999Merrill 2021Muniz 2008Musten 1997NCT02536105Pearson 2013Pliszka 2007Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Sharp 1999Smith 1998Solanto 2009Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2003Stein 2011Szobot 2008Taylor 1987Ullmann 1985Ullmann 1986Wallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Zeiner 1999

38 trials: Brown 1985Carlson 2007Childress 2009Coghill 2013Connor 2000Duric 2012Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Firestone 1981Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Heriot 2008Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Kollins 2006 (PATS)Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Martins 2004Matthijssen 2019McCracken 2016NCT00409708NCT02293655Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Pliszka 2000Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Schrantee 2016Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tannock 2018Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999aWeiss 2021Wigal 2004Wolraich 2001

More than 6 months

4

0 trials

4 trials: Barragán 2017Jensen 1999 (MTA)Perez‐Alvarez 2009Schachar 1997a

Not stated or unclear

2

2 trials: Kelly 1989Tannock 1989

0 trials

Titration period

After randomisation

36

13 trials: Abikoff 2009Borcherding 1990Castellanos 1997Cook 1993Cox 2006Gadow 1990Gorman 2006Ramtvedt 2013Sharp 1999Stein 1996Taylor 1987Ullmann 1985Wilens 2010

 

23 trials: Barragán 2017Carlson 2007Childress 2009Coghill 2013Connor 2000Findling 2008Findling 2010Firestone 1981Greenhill 2006Jensen 1999 (MTA)Lehmkuhl 2002Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Pliszka 2017Schachar 1997aSchrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Weiss 2021Tucker 2009Wigal 2004

Before randomisation

32

20 trials: Blum 2011Brown 1991Döpfner 2004Epstein 2011Huang 2021Kent 1995Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Lopez 2003McGough 2006Murray 2011NCT02039908NCT02536105Pearson 2013Wallace 1994Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008

13 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bChildress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cKollins 2006 (PATS)Kollins 2021NCT02293655Riggs 2011Wigal 2017Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

None

139

120 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBarkley 1991Barkley 2000Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Bliznakova 2007Brams 2008Brams 2012Brown 1984aBrown 1988Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Douglas 1986Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Fine 1993Fitzpatrick 1992aFlapper 2008Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hawk 2018Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Johnston 1988Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Kent 1999Klorman 1990Kolko 1999Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Kritchman 2019Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lufi 1997Lufi 2007Manos 1999McBride 1988aMcInnes 2007Merrill 2021Moshe 2012Muniz 2008Musten 1997Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Overtoom 2003Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2005Pelham 2011Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Pliszka 2007Quinn 2004Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Samuels 2006Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Smith 1998Smith 2004Smithee 1998Soleimani 2017Stein 2003Stein 2011Stoner 1994Sumner 2010Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSymons 2007Szobot 2008Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aUllmann 1986Urman 1995Wallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999Zeni 2009

19 trials: Brown 1985Butter 1983Findling 2006Green 2011Greenhill 2002Heriot 2008Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Lin 2014Martins 2004Matthijssen 2019McCracken 2016NCT00409708Newcorn 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2000Van der Meere 1999aWigal 2015

 

Unclear

5

4 trials: Chacko 2005CRIT124US02Pelham 1989Solanto 2009

1 trial: Duric 2012

Funding

Funded by grants from universities; authorities or research foundations

82

70 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1991Barkley 2000Bedard 2008Bhat 2020Brown 1988Brown 1991Chacko 2005Coghill 2007Cook 1993Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Cox 2006Douglas 1986Douglas 1995Epstein 2011Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Fitzpatrick 1992aForness 1992Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Garfinkel 1983Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gorman 2006Hale 2011Hawk 2018Hicks 1985Kent 1995Klorman 1990Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kritchman 2019McInnes 2007Musten 1997NCT02039908NCT02536105Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Overtoom 2003Pearson 2013Pelham 2002Pelham 2014Pliszka 1990Pliszka 2007Ramtvedt 2013Rubinsten 2008Schwartz 2004Shiels 2009Smith 1998Smithee 1998Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2003Stoner 1994Symons 2007Tannock 1989Tannock 1992Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bUrman 1995Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Wilkison 1995Zeiner 1999

12 trials: Butter 1983Connor 2000Duric 2012Firestone 1981Green 2011Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Matthijssen 2019McCracken 2016NCT02293655Palumbo 2008Schrantee 2016

Funded or partially funded by pharmaceutical industry

87

48 trials: Abikoff 2009Blum 2011Brams 2008Brams 2012Brown 1984aChronis 2003CRIT124US02Döpfner 2004Fine 1993Gadow 1990Gadow 2011Huang 2021Kelly 1989Kent 1999Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Lopez 2003Manos 1999McGough 2006Muniz 2008Murray 2011Pelham 1999Pelham 2001aPelham 2005Pelham 2011Quinn 2004Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Stein 2011Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bSzobot 2008Taylor 1987Ullmann 1985Ullmann 1986Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Zeni 2009

39 trials: Arnold 2004Barragán 2017Biederman 2003bBrown 1985Carlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cCoghill 2013Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Kollins 2021Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Martins 2004NCT00409708Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Pliszka 2000Pliszka 2017Riggs 2011Schachar 1997aSzobot 2004Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999aWeiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

No funding received

8

6 trials: Barkley 1989bFlapper 2008Moshe 2012Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Tirosh 1993a

2 trials: Heriot 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009

Unclear funding

36

33 trials: Bliznakova 2007Borcherding 1990Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997DuPaul 1996Gruber 2007rHoeppner 1997Johnston 1988Kaplan 1990Kolko 1999Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lufi 1997Lufi 2007McBride 1988aMerrill 2021Pelham 1989Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aRapport 1985Reitman 2001Samuels 2006Sharp 1999Smith 2004Solanto 2009Sumner 2010Taylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993bWhalen 1990Wodrich 1998

3 trials: Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Jacobi‐Polishook 2009

Exclusion of methylphenidate non‐responders/children who have previously experienced adverse events while taking methylphenidate before randomisation

Yes

88

60 trials: Barkley 1991Barkley 2000Blum 2011Brams 2008Brams 2012Brown 1991Cox 2006Döpfner 2004Fabiano 2007Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gruber 2007Huang 2021Kent 1995Klorman 1990Kollins 2006 (PATS)Konrad 2004Konrad 2005Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003Manos 1999McGough 2006Muniz 2008Murray 2011NCT02039908NCT02536105Nikles 2006Overtoom 2003Pearson 2013Pelham 2001aPelham 2011Pelham 2014Quinn 2004Reitman 2001Samuels 2006Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Silva 2005aSilva 2006Silva 2008Stein 2011Sumner 2010Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSwanson 2004bTannock 1992Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bWallace 1994Waxmonsky 2008Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010

29 trials: Arnold 2004Biederman 2003bChildress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bChildress 2020cCoghill 2013Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Kollins 2021Matthijssen 2019NCT02293655Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Pliszka 2017Tannock 2018Weiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wigal 2017Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

No

112

86 trials: Abikoff 2009Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBedard 2008Bhat 2020Bliznakova 2007Borcherding 1990Brown 1984aBrown 1988Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Carlson 1995Castellanos 1997Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Cook 1993Corkum 2008Corkum 2020CRIT124US02Douglas 1986Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Epstein 2011Findling 2007Fine 1993Flapper 2008Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Froehlich 2018Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gorman 2006Hale 2011Hawk 2018Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Kent 1999Kolko 1999Kritchman 2019Lufi 1997McBride 1988aMcInnes 2007Moshe 2012Musten 1997Oesterheld 1998Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 1999Pelham 2002Pelham 2005Pliszka 1990Pliszka 2007Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 1985Rapport 1987Rapport 2008Rubinsten 2008Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Smith 1998Smith 2004Smithee 1998Soleimani 2017Stein 1996Stein 2003Stoner 1994Szobot 2008Tannock 1989Taylor 1987Taylor 1993Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993aTirosh 1993bUllmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallander 1987Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998Zeiner 1999Zeni 2009

26 trials: Barragán 2017Brown 1985Butter 1983Carlson 2007Childress 2009Connor 2000Duric 2012Firestone 1981Green 2011Heriot 2008Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Martins 2004McCracken 2016NCT00409708Palumbo 2008Perez‐Alvarez 2009Pliszka 2000Schachar 1997aSchrantee 2016Szobot 2004Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999a

Not stated or unclear

12

11 trials: Chacko 2005Fitzpatrick 1992aJohnston 1988Leddy 2009Lufi 2007Merrill 2021Pelham 1989Solanto 2009Sunohara 1999Symons 2007Tannock 1993

1 trial: Riggs 2011

Withdrawals due to adverse events

Yes

68

36 trials: Ahmann 1993Barkley 1989bBhat 2020Castellanos 1997Fabiano 2007Findling 2007Hawk 2018Huang 2021Kolko 1999Kollins 2006 (PATS)Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017Lijffijt 2006Manos 1999Murray 2011Nikles 2006Pelham 1999Pelham 2011Pelham 2014Silva 2006Silva 2008Solanto 2009Stein 1996Stein 2003Stein 2011Swanson 2004bSzobot 2008Tannock 1992Taylor 1987Tervo 2002Tirosh 1993bWaxmonsky 2008Wigal 2014Wilens 2008Wilens 2010Wodrich 1998Zeni 2009

 

33 trials: Barragán 2017Biederman 2003bCarlson 2007Childress 2009Childress 2020cCoghill 2013Findling 2006Findling 2008Findling 2010Firestone 1981Greenhill 2002Greenhill 2006Horn 1991Ialongo 1994Jensen 1999 (MTA)Kollins 2006 (PATS)Lehmkuhl 2002Lin 2014Matthijssen 2019McCracken 2016Newcorn 2008Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose)Newcorn 2017b (forced dose)Palumbo 2008Pliszka 2000Pliszka 2017Schachar 1997aSchrantee 2016Weiss 2021Wigal 2004Wigal 2015Wilens 2006bWolraich 2001

No

116

101 trials: Abikoff 2009Barkley 1991Barkley 2000Bedard 2008Bliznakova 2007Blum 2011Borcherding 1990Brams 2008Brams 2012Brown 1984aBrown 1988Brown 1991Buitelaar 1995Bukstein 1998Carlson 1995Chacko 2005Chronis 2003Coghill 2007Cook 1993Corkum 2008Corkum 2020Cox 2006CRIT124US02Döpfner 2004Douglas 1995DuPaul 1996Fine 1993Flapper 2008Froehlich 2011Gadow 1990Gadow 1995Gadow 2007Gadow 2011Garfinkel 1983Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010Gruber 2007Hicks 1985Hoeppner 1997Johnston 1988Kaplan 1990Kelly 1989Kent 1995Kent 1999Konrad 2004Kritchman 2019Lopez 2003Lufi 1997Lufi 2007McBride 1988aMcGough 2006McInnes 2007Merrill 2021Moshe 2012Muniz 2008NCT02536105Oesterheld 1998Overtoom 2003Pearson 2013Pelham 1990aPelham 1993aPelham 2001aPelham 2002Pelham 2005Pliszka 2007Quinn 2004Ramtvedt 2013Rapport 1985Rapport 2008Reitman 2001Rubinsten 2008Schachar 2008Schulz 2010Schwartz 2004Sharp 1999Shiels 2009Silva 2005aSmith 1998Smith 2004Soleimani 2017Stoner 1994Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSymons 2007Tannock 1989Tannock 1993Tannock 1995aTannock 1995bTaylor 1993Tirosh 1993aUllmann 1985Ullmann 1986Urman 1995Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Whalen 1990Wigal 2003Wigal 2011Wigal 2013Zeiner 1999

15 trials: Arnold 2004Brown 1985Butter 1983Childress 2017Childress 2020aChildress 2020bConnor 2000Green 2011Jacobi‐Polishook 2009Kollins 2021Martins 2004Perez‐Alvarez 2009Szobot 2004Tucker 2009Van der Meere 1999a

Not stated or unclear

28

20 trials: Douglas 1986Epstein 2011Fitzpatrick 1992aNCT02039908Forness 1992Froehlich 2018Gorman 2006Hale 2011Klorman 1990Konrad 2005Leddy 2009Musten 1997Pelham 1989Pliszka 1990Rapport 1987Samuels 2006Smithee 1998Sumner 2010Swanson 1999Wilkison 1995

8 trials: Duric 2012Heriot 2008NCT00409708NCT02293655Riggs 2011Tannock 2018Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002Wigal 2017

Availability for quantitative analyses

No usable data

47

41 trials: Ahmann 1993Bliznakova 2007Douglas 1995Forness 1992Froehlich 2011Gruber 2007Hale 2011Hicks 1985Johnston 1988Kelly 1989Kent 1999Leddy 2009Lijffijt 2006Lopez 2003McInnes 2007Nikles 2006Oesterheld 1998Pliszka 2007Rubinsten 2008Samuels 2006Shiels 2009Soleimani 2017Stoner 1994Sumner 2010Sunohara 1999Swanson 1998Swanson 1999Swanson 2002aSwanson 2002bSymons 2007Tannock 1992Tannock 1995bTaylor 1993Tervo 2002Ullmann 1985Wallace 1994Wallander 1987Waxmonsky 2008Wigal 2003Wilkison 1995Wodrich 1998

6 trials: Connor 2000Heriot 2008Horn 1991Martins 2004Perez‐Alvarez 2009Szobot 2008

ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; CD: conduct disorder; CNS: central nervous system; ODD: Oppositional defiant disorder;DSM:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; DSM‐III:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Third Edition; DSM‐III‐R:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Third Edition Revised; DSM‐IV:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition; DSM‐IV‐TR:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition Text Revision; DSM‐5:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition; ICD‐10:International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision;OCD: obsessive compulsive disorder; ODD: oppositional defiant disorder

aResearch unit at a hospital.
bIn addition to bipolar disorder, which was an inclusion criterion for this trial.
c2 participants also had drug or alcohol abuse.
dParticipants were grouped to be with or without anxiety.
e50% also suffered from psychosis. All participants had either bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
fAggressive conduct disorder.
gDrug/alcohol use.
hNeurofeedback was part of the intervention.
iFor the review, we used data from arms with no behavioural intervention.
jDifferent reporting across different articles, ranging between 39% and 63%.
kDelayed‐release and extended‐release methylphenidate.
lGiven 3 times a day as well as an experimental delivery, to evaluate the effect of applying an osmotically driven, continuous delivery system.
mFor the parallel trial.
nFor the cross‐over trial.
oIn this cross‐over trial, children received methylphenidate twice for 7‐10 days, resulting in a full methylphenidate intervention period of 14‐20 days.
pBetween 7‐21 days depending on group size. The mean intervention period considered 14 days for this review.
qTwelve days for the 20 inpatients, 19 days for the 24 outpatients.
rIt is only stated that this trial was not industry‐funded.

Figures and Tables -
Table 2. Key demographics of included studies
Table 3. Key inclusion and exclusion criteria

Criteria

Number of trials

Trials

Inclusion criteria of special interest

A diagnosis of ODD or CD or disruptive behavior disorder

4

Brown 1991; Bukstein 1998; Connor 2000; Gadow 1990

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder and treated with a stable dose of mood stabilisers or either bipolar disorder or borderline disorder

2

Findling 2007; Zeni 2009

A diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome or motor tic disorder

5

Castellanos 1997; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002

A diagnosis of developmental co‐ordination disorder

2

Flapper 2008; Soleimani 2017

A diagnosis of epilepsy

1

Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010

A diagnosis of velocardiofacial syndrome

1

Green 2011

A diagnosis of cerebral palsy

1

Symons 2007

Non‐nicotine substance use disorder

2

Riggs 2011; Szobot 2008

Positive response to methylphenidate prior to screening or being on a stable dose of methylphenidate before screening/entering trial or familiar with methylphenidate intake for at least 2 weeks‐2 years

27

Childress 2017; Childress 2020b; Cox 2006; Döpfner 2004; Findling 2006; Findling 2008; Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017; Lijffijt 2006; Matthijssen 2019; Muniz 2008; Nikles 2006; Pelham 2001a; Pelham 2011; Pliszka 2017; Samuels 2006; Schulz 2010; Silva 2005a; Silva 2006; Silva 2008; Swanson 1998; Swanson 1999; Swanson 2002a; Swanson 2002b; Swanson 2004b; Tannock 2018; Wigal 2003; Wilkison 1995

Most common exclusion criteria and exclusion criteria of special interest

Intellectual disability, or estimated/measured IQ < 60‐85, or deemed by investigators to have below‐average cognitive capacity, or history of neurological impairment, or history of significant developmental delay, or to be home‐schooled, or intellectual disability

126

Ahmann 1993; Barkley 1989b; Barkley 1991; Barragán 2017; Bedard 2008; Bhat 2020; Blum 2011; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Brown 1984a; Brown 1988; Brown 1991; Butter 1983; Carlson 1995; Carlson 2007; Castellanos 1997; Childress 2009; Childress 2017; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Coghill 2007; Coghill 2013; Cook 1993; Corkum 2008; Corkum 2020; Döpfner 2004; Douglas 1995; DuPaul 1996; Duric 2012; Epstein 2011; Findling 2006; Findling 2007; Findling 2008; Findling 2010; Fine 1993; Firestone 1981; Flapper 2008; Forness 1992; Froehlich 2011; Froehlich 2018; Gadow 1990; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; Gorman 2006; Greenhill 2002; Gruber 2007; Hale 2011; Heriot 2008; Horn 1991; Huang 2021; Ialongo 1994; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kelly 1989; Klorman 1990; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Konrad 2004; Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017; Leddy 2009; Lehmkuhl 2002; Lufi 1997; Martins 2004; Matthijssen 2019; McCracken 2016; McGough 2006; McInnes 2007; Murray 2011; NCT00409708; NCT02039908; NCT02293655; NCT02536105; Oesterheld 1998; Palumbo 2008; Pearson 2013; Pelham 1989; Pelham 2001a; Pelham 2011; Pelham 2014; Pliszka 2007; Pliszka 2017; Quinn 2004; Ramtvedt 2013; Reitman 2001; Rubinsten 2008; Schachar 2008; Schrantee 2016; Schwartz 2004; Sharp 1999; Shiels 2009; Silva 2005a; Silva 2008; Smith 1998; Smithee 1998; Solanto 2009; Soleimani 2017; Stein 1996; Stein 2003; Stein 2011; Sunohara 1999; Swanson 1998; Swanson 2004b; Szobot 2004; Tannock 1992; Tannock 1993; Tannock 1995a; Tannock 1995b; Tannock 2018; Taylor 1987; Taylor 1993; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Tucker 2009; Van der Meere 1999a; Waxmonsky 2008; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2014; Wigal 2015; Wilens 2008; Wilens 2010; Wolraich 2001; Zeiner 1999; Zeni 2009

Learning disability, or not having an age‐appropriate academic level, or at least an average learning score

17

Abikoff 2009; Biederman 2003b; Childress 2009; Coghill 2007; Cook 1993; CRIT124US02; Froehlich 2018; Greenhill 2006; Moshe 2012a; Muniz 2008; Murray 2011; NCT02293655; Pelham 2001a; Pliszka 2007; Rubinsten 2008; Wigal 2011; Wilkison 1995

Any psychiatric disorder that could contraindicate treatment or confound efficacy or safety assessments, or any psychiatric comorbidity, or any concurrent significant psychiatric illness, or any psychiatric disorder with few specified exceptions, or any comorbid axis I psychiatric disorder requiring treatment, or any psychiatric comorbidity requiring treatment

54

Biederman 2003b; Borcherding 1990; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Carlson 2007; Castellanos 1997b; Childress 2020c; Corkum 2008; Corkum 2020; Duric 2012; Findling 2006; Findling 2008; Findling 2010; Flapper 2008; NCT02039908; Greenhill 2002; Greenhill 2006; Jacobi‐Polishook 2009; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Konrad 2004; Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017; Lopez 2003; Lufi 1997; Matthijssen 2019; McGough 2006; Moshe 2012; Muniz 2008; Murray 2011; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Pelham 2011; Perez‐Alvarez 2009; Pliszka 2017; Quinn 2004; Schachar 2008; Schrantee 2016; Schulz 2010; Silva 2005a; Silva 2006; Silva 2008; Soleimani 2017; Swanson 1998; Szobot 2008; Taylor 1987; Waxmonsky 2008; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2014; Wigal 2015; Wigal 2017; Wilens 2006b; Wilens 2010; Wilkison 1995

Psychiatric disorders that might be the primary cause of ADHD symptoms

2

Froehlich 2011; Wodrich 1998

Significant neurological history, or other significant CNS disorders, or gross sensory or motor deficits/impairment, or brain damage/traumatic brain injury, or head injury requiring hospitalisation, or major organic brain dysfunction, or history of electroencephalographic abnormalities

74

Ahmann 1993; Arnold 2004; Barkley 1989b; Barkley 2000; Barragán 2017; Bedard 2008; Blum 2011; Borcherding 1990; Brown 1984a; Brown 1985; Brown 1988; Brown 1991; Castellanos 1997; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2007; Cook 1993; Corkum 2008; Corkum 2020; Douglas 1986; DuPaul 1996; Duric 2012; Findling 2007; Firestone 1981; Froehlich 2011; Gadow 1990; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Gorman 2006; Hale 2011; Hawk 2018; Heriot 2008; Jacobi‐Polishook 2009; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kelly 1989; Klorman 1990; Kortekaas‐Rijlaarsdam 2017; Leddy 2009; Lin 2014; Martins 2004; Moshe 2012; Murray 2011; Musten 1997; NCT02293655; Oesterheld 1998; Pearson 2013; Pelham 1989; Pliszka 2007; Quinn 2004; Ramtvedt 2013; Rapport 1985; Rapport 1987; Rapport 2008; Schachar 2008; Schrantee 2016; Sharp 1999; Shiels 2009; Smithee 1998; Solanto 2009; Soleimani 2017; Sumner 2010; Szobot 2004; Tannock 1989; Tannock 1992; Tannock 1993; Tannock 1995a; Tannock 1995b; Tannock 2018; Tirosh 1993a; Tirosh 1993b; Waxmonsky 2008; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2004; Zeiner 1999

History of epilepsy or seizures

60

Ahmann 1993; Barkley 1989b; Barragán 2017; Blum 2011; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Carlson 2007; Childress 2009; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Cook 1993; Corkum 2008; Corkum 2020; DuPaul 1996; Findling 2008; Findling 2010; Firestone 1981; Gadow 1990; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Greenhill 2002; Greenhill 2006; Hale 2011; Hawk 2018; Huang 2021; Leddy 2009; Lehmkuhl 2002; Lin 2014; McGough 2006; Moshe 2012; Muniz 2008; NCT00409708; NCT02536105; NCT02293655; Newcorn 2008; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Oesterheld 1998; Pliszka 2017; Ramtvedt 2013; Schrantee 2016; Sharp 1999; Shiels 2009; Soleimani 2017; Stein 2003; Swanson 2004b; Tannock 1989; Tucker 2009; Waxmonsky 2008; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2011; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2015; Wigal 2017; Wilens 2006b; Wilens 2010; Wolraich 2001

History or diagnosis of and/or family history of Tourette's syndrome or tic disorders

62

Ahmann 1993; Abikoff 2009; Barkley 1989b; Barkley 1991; Barkley 2000; Bhat 2020; Blum 2011; Borcherding 1990; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Buitelaar 1995; Childress 2009; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; DuPaul 1996; Findling 2008; Fine 1993; Greenhill 2002; Gruber 2007; Heriot 2008; Huang 2021; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kent 1995; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Lehmkuhl 2002; Lin 2014; McCracken 2016; McGough 2006; Moshe 2012; Muniz 2008; Murray 2011; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2008; Overtoom 2003; Palumbo 2008; Pearson 2013; Pliszka 2000; Pliszka 2017; Riggs 2011; Schachar 1997a; Schrantee 2016; Schwartz 2004; Silva 2005a; Silva 2006; Silva 2008; Solanto 2009; Stein 2003; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Swanson 2004b; Tannock 1989; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2017; Wilens 2006b; Wilens 2010; Wolraich 2001

History or diagnosis of autism or pervasive development disorder or Asperger's disorder

49

Abikoff 2009; Barkley 1989b; Barragán 2017; Bhat 2020; Blum 2011; Buitelaar 1995; Carlson 2007; Corkum 2008; Döpfner 2004; DuPaul 1996; Findling 2007; Gadow 1990; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Gorman 2006; Gruber 2007; Hawk 2018; Heriot 2008; Kent 1999; Klorman 1990; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Konrad 2005; Kritchman 2019; Leddy 2009; Lehmkuhl 2002; Lin 2014; McCracken 2016; Murray 2011; Musten 1997; NCT02039908; Newcorn 2008; Overtoom 2003; Palumbo 2008; Pearson 2013; Schachar 2008; Schwartz 2004; Shiels 2009; Stein 1996; Stein 2011; Taylor 1987; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Van der Meere 1999a; Waxmonsky 2008; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Zeiner 1999; Zeni 2009

History or diagnosis of and/or family history of: major depression or depressive disorder or bipolar disorder or affective disorder or mood disorder

45

Abikoff 2009; Barkley 1989b; Blum 2011; Carlson 1995c; Carlson 2007; Childress 2020b; Döpfner 2004; Findling 2007; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; Gorman 2006; Horn 1991; Ialongo 1994; Kent 1995; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Kritchman 2019; Lehmkuhl 2002; Lin 2014; Martins 2004; McCracken 2016; Murray 2011; NCT02293655; Newcorn 2008; Oesterheld 1998; Palumbo 2008; Pearson 2013; Pliszka 1990; Pliszka 2000; Riggs 2011; Schachar 1997a; Solanto 2009; Stein 2003; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Swanson 2002a; Szobot 2004; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Tucker 2009; Waxmonsky 2008; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Wilens 2006b; Wilens 2010; Zeiner 1999

History or diagnosis of eating disorder

9

Childress 2020b; Kritchman 2019; Murray 2011; Palumbo 2008; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Waxmonsky 2008; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Wilens 2006b

Diagnosis of post‐traumatic stress disorder

1

Abikoff 2009

History or diagnosis of obsessive‐compulsive disorder

8

Abikoff 2009; Blum 2011; Childress 2009; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kollins 2021; Murray 2011; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011

Diagnosis of panic disorder, or severe anxiety disorder, or in the investigator's evaluation very anxious, tense or agitated, or separation anxiety disorder

23

Abikoff 2009; Barkley 1989b; Childress 2020b; Döpfner 2004; Horn 1991; Huang 2021; Ialongo 1994; Kent 1995; Kritchman 2019; Lehmkuhl 2002; Lin 2014; McCracken 2016; Murray 2011; Newcorn 2008; Schachar 1997a; Sumner 2010; Sunohara 1999; Swanson 2002a; Tannock 1995a; Tucker 2009; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2011; Wilens 2006b

History or diagnosis of CD/behaviour disorder

11

Childress 2020b; Coghill 2013; Kollins 2021; Murray 2011; Sunohara 1999; Swanson 2002a; Tannock 1989; Tannock 1992; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2011; Wilens 2008

History or diagnosis of ODD

2

Swanson 2002a; Wigal 2003

Lifetime history of psychosis or thought disturbance or thought disorder or schizoid, schizotypal or frank psychotic features

66

Abikoff 2009; Barkley 1989b; Bedard 2008; Bhat 2020; Blum 2011; Brown 1985; Brown 1991; Childress 2009; Childress 2020b; Cook 1993; Döpfner 2004; Douglas 1986; DuPaul 1996; Findling 2007; Firestone 1981; Froehlich 2018; Gadow 1990; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; Gorman 2006; Gruber 2007; Hawk 2018; Heriot 2008; Horn 1991; Huang 2021; Ialongo 1994; Kaplan 1990; Kelly 1989; Kent 1995; Klorman 1990; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Kritchman 2019; Leddy 2009; Lehmkuhl 2002; Lin 2014; McCracken 2016; Murray 2011; NCT02293655; Newcorn 2008; Palumbo 2008; Pliszka 1990; Pliszka 2000; Ramtvedt 2013; Riggs 2011; Schachar 2008; Schrantee 2016; Schwartz 2004; Shiels 2009; Smithee 1998; Solanto 2009; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Tannock 1993; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Tucker 2009; Waxmonsky 2008; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Wilens 2006b; Wolraich 2001; Zeiner 1999; Zeni 2009

Lifetime history or diagnosis of mania or hypomania

7

Abikoff 2009; Findling 2007; Froehlich 2011; Froehlich 2018; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; NCT02293655; Pliszka 2000

History or diagnosis of sleep disorder

5

Corkum 2008; Corkum 2020; Murray 2011; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011

Significant suicidality or dangerous to self or others

23

Abikoff 2009; Blum 2011; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Findling 2007; Findling 2010; Gadow 1990; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Pliszka 2017; Riggs 2011; Schrantee 2016; Waxmonsky 2008; Weiss 2021; Zeni 2009

Has a known history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse in the last year, or history of child abuse

5

Childress 2020a; Childress 2020c; Heriot 2008; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kollins 2006 (PATS)

History or diagnosis of substance abuse or positive drug screening test or suspected drug abuse

41

Abikoff 2009; Arnold 2004; Biederman 2003b; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Childress 2009; Childress 2017; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Coghill 2007; Coghill 2013; Cox 2006; Findling 2006; Findling 2007; Findling 2010; Greenhill 2006; Huang 2021; Kollins 2021; Kritchman 2019; Lopez 2003; Martins 2004; Muniz 2008; Murray 2011; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Pliszka 2007; Pliszka 2017; Schrantee 2016; Silva 2005a; Silva 2006; Silva 2008; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Swanson 2004b; Szobot 2004; Tucker 2009; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Zeni 2009

Living with a person with a current or earlier substance abuse disorder or family history of drug abuse

12

Biederman 2003b; Childress 2009; Childress 2017; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020c; Findling 2006; Greenhill 2002; Huang 2021; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kollins 2006 (PATS); Swanson 2004b; Wigal 2003

Inability to take/swallow or tolerate methylphenidate/ingredients in the medication or history of adverse reactions/adverse events

54

Arnold 2004; Barkley 1991; Barkley 2000; Biederman 2003b; Blum 2011; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Carlson 2007; Childress 2017; Childress 2020b; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Cox 2006; CRIT124US02; Fabiano 2007; Findling 2007; NCT02039908; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; Greenhill 2002; Greenhill 2006; Gruber 2007; Huang 2021; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kent 1995; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Murray 2011; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2008; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Palumbo 2008; Pearson 2013; Pelham 2005; Pelham 2014; Pliszka 2017; Quinn 2004; Schachar 2008; Schwartz 2004; Silva 2005a; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Swanson 2004b; Tannock 2018; Waxmonsky 2008; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Wigal 2015; Wilens 2006b; Wilens 2010; Wolraich 2001; Zeni 2009

History of failed/poor response/being non‐responsive to methylphenidate (unless naive to stimulants), or past treatment failure on a methylphenidate trial

27

Brams 2012; Childress 2020b; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Fabiano 2007; Findling 2006; Findling 2010; Greenhill 2006; Kollins 2021; McGough 2006; Murray 2011; NCT02039908; Newcorn 2008; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Pearson 2013; Schachar 2008; Schulz 2010; Silva 2006; Silva 2008; Stein 2011; Tannock 2018; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2011; Wilens 2006b; Wilens 2008; Wilens 2010

Satisfied with current pharmacological treatment (if not stimulant‐naive) or having effective control of symptoms with acceptable tolerability on current ADHD medication

10

Childress 2020a; Coghill 2013; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Nikles 2006; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2014; Wigal 2015

Had been receiving methylphenidate > 6 months, or daily dose was above dose specified in the research protocol

1

Musten 1997

Previous pharmacological treatment for ADHD

23

Barragán 2017; Buitelaar 1995; Coghill 2007; Cook 1993; Corkum 2008; Corkum 2020; Flapper 2008; Froehlich 2018; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Konrad 2004; Oesterheld 1998; Perez‐Alvarez 2009; Ramtvedt 2013; Schachar 1997a; Szobot 2008; Taylor 1987; Tirosh 1993a; Tirosh 1993b; Tucker 2009; Urman 1995; Van der Meere 1999a; Wallander 1987; Zeiner 1999

Any medical/physical disease

10

Castellanos 1997; Flapper 2008; Perez‐Alvarez 2009; Pliszka 1990; Pliszka 2000; Quinn 2004; Swanson 1998; Swanson 2002a; Wilkison 1995; Zeiner 1999

Any ongoing chronic condition, or poor physical health, or somatic disorder/medical condition that could contraindicate treatment or confound efficacy or safety, or physical disability, or their medical condition affecting cognitive or neuropsychological performance

92

Barragán 2017; Bedard 2008; Biederman 2003b; Borcherding 1990; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Brown 1985; Carlson 2007; Childress 2009; Childress 2017; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Connor 2000; Cox 2006; CRIT124US02; Douglas 1995; Fabiano 2007; Findling 2006; Findling 2007; Findling 2008; Gadow 1990; Gadow 1995; Gadow 2007; Gadow 2011; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; Gorman 2006; Greenhill 2002; Greenhill 2006; Hale 2011; Hawk 2018; Heriot 2008; Horn 1991; Huang 2021; Ialongo 1994; Jacobi‐Polishook 2009; Jensen 1999 (MTA); Kelly 1989; Kollins 2006 (PATS); Kollins 2021; Lin 2014; Lopez 2003; Lufi 1997; Martins 2004; Matthijssen 2019; McCracken 2016; Musten 1997; NCT00409708; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Oesterheld 1998; Pearson 2013; Pelham 2001a; Pelham 2011; Pelham 2014; Pliszka 2017; Riggs 2011; Schachar 1997a; Schachar 2008; Schulz 2010; Sharp 1999; Shiels 2009; Silva 2005a; Silva 2006; Silva 2008; Smithee 1998; Solanto 2009; Stein 2003; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Swanson 2004b; Tannock 1989; Tannock 1992; Tannock 1993; Tannock 1995a; Tannock 1995b; Tannock 2018; Tirosh 1993a; Tirosh 1993b; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Van der Meere 1999a; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2014; Wigal 2015; Wigal 2017; Wilens 2008; Wilens 2010; Wolraich 2001; Zeni 2009

Cardiac abnormalities or cardiac surgery, or clinically significant abnormalities in ECG results, or family history of sudden death or long‐QT syndrome, or ventricular arrhythmia, or hypertension, or hypotension, or bradycardia, or syncope

50

Arnold 2004; Barkley 1989b; Barkley 1991; Barkley 2000; Blum 2011; Brams 2012; Buitelaar 1995; Carlson 1995; Childress 2009; Childress 2017; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Döpfner 2004; DuPaul 1996; Duric 2012; Findling 2008; Findling 2010; Froehlich 2018; Lin 2014; McCracken 2016; NCT02293655; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Overtoom 2003; Palumbo 2008; Pelham 2001a; Pelham 2011; Quinn 2004; Riggs 2011; Schrantee 2016; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Swanson 1998; Swanson 2002a; Swanson 2004b; Tannock 1989; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Tucker 2009; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2011; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2014; Wigal 2015; Wilens 2006b; Wilens 2010

History or evidence of renal disease or impaired renal function

6

Arnold 2004; Childress 2020c; Palumbo 2008; Quinn 2004; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Wigal 2004

History or evidence of hepatic disease

2

Childress 2020c; Döpfner 2004

History or evidence of respiratory (other than asthma/allergy) disease

5

Arnold 2004; Buitelaar 1995; Childress 2020c; Quinn 2004; Wigal 2004

History or evidence of endocrine disease (e.g. hyperthyroidism) or insulin dependent diabetes or any metabolic disease

16

Arnold 2004; Barkley 2000; Buitelaar 1995; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020c; Corkum 2008; Corkum 2020; Greenhill 2002; NCT00409708; NCT02536105; Schrantee 2016; Swanson 2004b; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2015

History or evidence of immune disease

3

Arnold 2004; Childress 2020c; Wigal 2004

Gastrointestinal narrowing, or significant gastrointestinal problems

7

Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Huang 2021; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Wigal 2011; Wilens 2006b

Glaucoma

19

Blum 2011; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020c; Coghill 2013; Greenhill 2002; Huang 2021; Kent 1995; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Schrantee 2016; Swanson 2004b; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2011; Wigal 2013; Wigal 2015; Wilens 2006b; Wolraich 2001

Not within 30% of normal body weight, or outside 18/22‐59/75 kg at trial entry, or underweight or overweight or weighs less than 9 kg or 79.5 lb, or weight < 3rd percentile for age

16

Arnold 2004; Carlson 2007; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Coghill 2013; Döpfner 2004; Findling 2008; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; Lin 2014; Murray 2011; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Oesterheld 1998; Pearson 2013; Pliszka 2017; Wigal 2004

Pregnant or lactating or inadequate form of birth control or female who had undergone menarche

41

Barkley 2000; Biederman 2003b; Brams 2008; Brams 2012; Childress 2009; Childress 2020a; Childress 2020b; Coghill 2013; CRIT124US02; Findling 2006; Findling 2007; Findling 2008; Findling 2010; Gonzalez‐Heydrich 2010; Greenhill 2002; Greenhill 2006; McCracken 2016; Muniz 2008; NCT02293655; NCT02536105; Newcorn 2017a (flexible dose); Newcorn 2017b (forced dose); Oesterheld 1998; Palumbo 2008; Pelham 2001a; Pliszka 2017; Riggs 2011; Silva 2005a; Silva 2006; Silva 2008; Stein 2011; Sumner 2010; Swanson 2004b; Tourette's Syndrome Study Group 2002; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2003; Wigal 2004; Wigal 2015; Wilens 2010; Wolraich 2001; Zeni 2009

Abnormal laboratory parameters and/or vital signs and/or physical examination

15

Brams 2012; Findling 2008; Greenhill 2002; Greenhill 2006; McGough 2006; NCT02536105; Oesterheld 1998; Overtoom 2003; Pelham 2011; Pliszka 2017; Swanson 1998; Tucker 2009; Weiss 2021; Wigal 2015; Wigal 2017

ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; CD: conduct disorder; CNS: central nervous system; ECG: electrocardiogram; IQ: Intelligence quotient; ODD: oppositional defiant disorder

aSevere learning disability (defined by special education enrolment).
bExceptions: obsessive‐compulsive disorder, conduct or oppositional disorder, overanxious disorder and specific developmental disorders.
cOnly bipolar disorder, not major depressive disorder.

Figures and Tables -
Table 3. Key inclusion and exclusion criteria
Table 4. ADHD symptoms rating scales

Name of scale

Abbreviation

Reference

Abbreviated Conners’ Rating Scales, Parent (ACPRS) and Teacher (ACTRS),

including Abbreviated Parent Rating Scale (APRS) and Teacher Rating Scale, Hyperkinesis Index and ADHD and Emotional Lability subscales

ACRS

Conners 1997a

Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire, including ASQ Teacher and ASQ Parent

ASQ

Conners 1995

Academic Performance Rating Scale

APRS

DuPaul 1991a

The ADD/H Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale

ACTeRS

Ullmann 1984

ADHD/ODD Rating Scale, Parent‐ and Teacher‐Rated

ADHD‐RS

Barkley 1998

ADHD Rating Scale, including ADHD Rating Scale Parent and Teacher Ratings

ADHD‐RS

DuPaul 1991a

ADHD Rating Scale‐IV, including ADHD Rating Scale‐IV Parent and Teacher Versions

ADHD‐RS‐IV

DuPaul 1991a

Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children

BPRS

Gale 1986

Child Attention Problems Rating Scale

CAP

Achenbach 1986

Child Attention Profile

CAP

Barkley 1988b

Child Behavior Rating Form

NCBHF

Aman 1996

Child Symptom Inventory

CSI

Gadow 1994

Children’s Psychiatric Rating Scale

CPRS

Pfefferbaum‐Levine 1983

Conners’ Abbreviated Hyperactivity Questionnaire

C‐HI

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Abbreviated Questionnaire

ASQ

Conners 1995

Conners’ Abbreviated Parent Teacher Questionnaire

APTQ

Rowe 1997

Conners’ Abbreviated Rating Scale

ABRS

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire

ASQ

Conners 1995

Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire for Parents

ASQ‐Parent

Conners 1995

Conners’ Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire for Teachers

ASQ‐Teacher

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Abbreviated Teacher Rating Scale

ABTRS

Conners 2001

Conners’ ADHD/DSM‐IV Scales Adolescent

CADS‐A

Conners 1997b

Conners’ ADHD/DSM‐IV Scales Parent

CADS–P, CADS‐P DSM‐IV

Conners 1997a

Conners’ ADHD/DSM‐IV Scale Teacher, including Inattentive and Hyperactive‐Impulsive subscales

CADS‐T, CADS‐T DSM‐IV

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Rating Scale ‐ Revised, Parent and Teacher: Hyperactivity and Conduct Factors score

CPRS‐R and CTRS‐R

Goyette 1978

Conners’ Hyperactivity Index, Parent and Teacher, including abbreviated versions

CPRS/CTRS‐Hyperactivity index

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Hyperkinesis Index

Milich 1980

Conners, Loney and Milich Scale

CLAM

Milich 1980

Conners’ Parent and Teacher Rating Scale ‐ Revised, Short Form

CRS‐R:S

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, including abbreviated versions

CPRS

Conners 1998b

Conners’ Parent Rating Scale ‐ Revised

CPRS‐R

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Parent Rating Scale ‐ Revised, Short Form

CPRS‐R:S

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Parent Rating Scale ‐ Revised, Long Version

CPRS‐R:L

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Rating Scale ‐ Revised

CRS‐R

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Short Form Rating Scale, Parent and Teacher

Conners 1997a

Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale

CTRS

Conners 1998a

Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale ‐ Revised, Long Version

CTRS‐R:L

Conners 1998a

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Total

DSM‐IV

APA 1994

Diagnostiksystem für Psychische Störungen im Kindes ‐ und Jugendalter nach ICD‐10 und DSM‐IV

Parental Questionnaire of ADHD symptoms

DISYPS

Döpfner 2000

Fremdbeurteilungsbogen für Hyperkinetische Störungen

FBB‐HKS

Döpfner 2008

German Teacher’s report on ADHD symptoms

FBB‐HKS of the DISYPS

Döpfner 2000

Hyperactivity Index of the Revised Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scales

Goyette 1978

IOWA Conners Parent Rating Scale, including abbreviated versions

IOWA CPRS

Loney 1982

IOWA Conners Teacher Rating Scale, including abbreviated versions

IOWA CTRS

Loney 1982

IOWA Conners Teacher Rating Scale, Inattention/Overactivity (I/O) and Oppositional/Defiant (O/D) subscales

IOWA‐I/O and O/D subscales

Loney 1982

IOWA Inattention/Overactivity and Aggression/Noncompliance scales ‐ Parent and Teacher rating

IOWA

Loney 1982

Lehrer‐Fragenbogen von Steinhausen

LF

Steinhausen 1993

Loney’s Time on Task Scale, Hyperactivity, Attention and Aggression subscales

TOTS

Fitzpatrick 1992b

Modified Conner Scale Parent and Teacher

ACR

Conners 1997a

Mothers’ Objective Method for Subgrouping

MOMS

Loney 1984

Parent Symptom Checklist

PSC ADHD

Döpfner 2000

Parental Account of Children’s Symptoms

PACS

Chen 2006

Restricted Academic Situation Scale

RASS

Fischer 1998

Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia

K‐SADS/ K‐SADS‐E for diagnosis

Chambers 1985

Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham ‐ IV SNAP‐ADHD Rating scale

SNAP‐ADHD

Swanson 1992

Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham ‐ IV SNAP‐IV (Brazilian Version)

SNAP‐IV

Clark 1993; Clark 1996

Swanson, Kotkin, Atkins, M‐Flynn, Pelham Scale (SKAMP combined, SKAMP attention, and SKAMP deportment)

SKAMP (SKAMP combined, SKAMP attention, and SKAMP deportment)

Wigal 1998; Murray 2009

Teacher Self‐control Rating Scale

SCRS

Kendall 1979

Turgay ‐ DSM‐IV Scale, Parent

T‐DSM‐IV Scale, Parent

Turgay 1994; Ercan 2001

Turgay ‐ DSM‐IV Scale, Teacher

T‐DSM‐IV Scale, Teacher

Turgay 1994; Ercan 2001

Teacher Hyperactivity Index

THI

Achenbach 1991b

Teacher Symptom Checklist

TSC

Döpfner 2000

Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scale

VADP(T)RS

Wolraich 2003

Wender Utah Rating Scale

WURS

Ward 1993

Wide Range Achievement Test

WRAT‐4

Wilkinson 2006

Wide Range Achievement Test Revised

WRAT‐R

Woodcock 2001

ADD/H: Attention deficit disorder/with hyperactivity; ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; DSM‐IV:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition; ICD‐10:International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition; ODD: ODD

Figures and Tables -
Table 4. ADHD symptoms rating scales
Table 5. General behaviour rating scales

Name of scale

Abbreviation

Reference

Achenbach Child Behaviour Checklist

CBCL

Achenbach 1991a

Achenbach’s Teacher Report

ATRF

Achenbach 1991b; Achenbach 2001

ADHD Rating Scale

ADHD‐RS

DuPaul 1991a

ADHD School Observation Code

ADHD‐SOC

Gadow 1996

Barkley Scales, Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale

Barkley 1991a

Before School Functioning Questionnaire

BSFQ

Faraone 2018

Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function

BRIEF

Gioia 2000

Child Attention Problems Scale

CAP

Barkley 1991

Child Attention Profile

CAP

Barkley 1988b

Child Behavior Checklist

CBCL

Achenbach 1991a

Child Health Questionnaire

CHQ

Landgraf 1998

Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment, selected items

CAPA

Angold 1995

Children’s Psychiatric Rating Scale

CPRS

Fish 1985

Classroom Observation Code (Abikoff Classroom Observational System)

COC

Abikoff 1980

Code for Observing Social Activity

COSA

Sprafkin 1986

Conners' Child Behavior Scale

UC‐CCBS

Ladd 1996

Conners Early Childhood Behavior—Parent Short Response scale

Conners 2009

Conners' Global Index Scale

CGI‐S

Conners 1998a

Conners’ Global Index ‐ Parent

CGI‐P

Conners 1997a

Conners' Global Index ‐ Teacher

CGI‐T

Conners 1998a

Conners', Loney and Milich Scale

CLAM

Milich 1980

Conners’ Parent Questionnaire

CPQ

Conners 1995

Conners’ Parent Rating Scale

CPRS

Conners 1998b

Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale

CTRS

Conners 1998a

Conners’ Teacher Rating Conduct Problems

Miller 1997

Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale, Parent‐ and Teacher‐Rated

DBS

Mendelsohn 1978

Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale

DBD

Silva 2005b

Groninger Behaviour Observation Scale

GOO and GBO

Van der Meere 1999b

Groninger Behaviour Checklists, Parent and Teacher Versions of the abbreviated Groninger

GGGS and GGBS

Van der Meere 1999b

Hillside Behavior Rating Scale

HBRS

Gittleman‐Klein 1976

Home Situations Questionnaire

HSQ

Barkley 1987

Home Situations Questionnaire ‐ Revised

HSQ‐R

DuPaul 1992

Humphrey’s Teacher Self‐Control Rating Scale

TSCRS

Humphrey 1982

Hyperactivity Index from the Conners Revised Teacher Rating Scale

CTRS‐R‐Hyperactivity Index

Goyette 1978

Impairment Rating Scale

IRS

Fabiano 2006

Inpatient Global Rating Scale, Revised

IGRS

Conners 1985

Inpatient Global Rating Scale, Somatic factor

IGRS‐S

Conners 1985

IOWA Conners' Rating Scale, Oppositional/Defiant (O/D) subscales

IOWA‐O/D subscales

Loney 1982

Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form

NCBRF

Aman 1996

Paired Associates Learning

PAL

Wechsler 1945

Parent Global Assessment for Improvement

PGA

McGough 2006a

Parent Rating of Evening and Morning Behavior‐Revised, Morning

PREMP‐R AM

Sutton 2003

Parent Rating of Evening and Morning Behavior‐Revised, Evening

PREMP‐R PM

Sutton 2003

Peer Conflict Scale

PCS

Marsee 2007

Personality Inventory for Children

PIC

Lachar 1986

School Situations Questionnaire

SSQ

Barkley 1987

School Situations Questionnaire ‐ Revised

SSQ‐R

DuPaul 1992

Retrospective Modified Overt Aggression Scale

R‐MOAS

Bladder 2009

Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior Scale, Parent and Teacher

SWAN

Swanson 2006; Polderman 2007

Subjective Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale

STESS‐R

Guy 1976

Swanson, Nolan and Pelham, Fourth Edition

SNAP‐IV

Bussing 2008

Teachers Report Form

TRF

Achenbach 1991b

Telephone Interview Probe (Parent and Teacher)

TIP

Corkum 2007

Vanderbilt ADHD rating scales: Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale and Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale

VADPRS and VADTRS

Wolraich 2003

Wahler, House and Stambaugh’s Ecobehavioral Assessment System

ECO

Wahler 1976

The Weekly Parent Ratings of Evening and Morning Behaviour

WREMB‐R

Kelsey 2004

Werry‐Weiss‐Peters Activity Rating Scale

WWP

Routh 1978

Woodcock‐Johnson Achievement Battery

WJ‐III Ach

Woodcock 2001

ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Figures and Tables -
Table 5. General behaviour rating scales
Table 6. Quality of life ratings scales

Name of scale

Abbreviation

Reference

ADHD Impact Module‐Child

AIM‐C

AIM‐C 2013

Child Impact Scale and Home Impact Scale

CIS/HIS

Landgraf 2002

Child Health and Illness Profile, Child Edition: Parent Report Form

CHIP‐CE:PRF

Riley 2004

Child Health Questionnaire

CHQ‐P

Landgraf 1998

Children's Global Assessment Scale

CGAS

Shaffer 1983

Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale

CPRS

Aasberg 1978

Health Utilities Index ‐ 2

HUI‐2

Torrance 1982

The parent‐ and child‐rated Revised questionnaire for Children and adolescents to record health‐related quality of life

KINDL‐R

Ravens‐Sieberer 1998

ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Figures and Tables -
Table 6. Quality of life ratings scales
Comparison 1. Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

21

1728

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.88, ‐0.61]

1.1.1 Low risk of bias

3

206

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐1.11, ‐0.22]

1.1.2 High risk of bias

18

1522

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.90, ‐0.61]

1.2 Subgroup analysis: types of scales Show forest plot

20

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.2.1 Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS)

9

470

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.82, ‐0.45]

1.2.2 Abbreviated Conners' Rating Scale (ACRS) ‐ Teacher

2

105

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐1.79, 0.29]

1.2.3 Conners' Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire for Teachers (ASQ‐Teacher)

1

59

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.28 [‐0.79, 0.23]

1.2.4 IOWA Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (IOWA CTRS) ‐ hyperactivity

2

193

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.08 [‐1.39, ‐0.77]

1.2.5 The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP) Scale ‐ Teacher

2

328

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.61 [‐0.96, ‐0.25]

1.2.6 Teacher ratings of attention

1

20

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.55 [‐1.45, 0.35]

1.2.7 Teacher ratings of impulsivity

1

20

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.04 [‐0.83, 0.92]

1.2.8 IOWA Conners' Teacher Rating Scale ‐ Inattention/Overactivity (IOWA‐I/O)

2

197

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.03 [‐1.36, ‐0.69]

1.2.9 Fremdbeurteilungsbogen für Hyperkinetische Störungen (FBB‐HKS)

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.06 [‐1.52, ‐0.61]

1.2.10 Conners’ ADHD/DSM‐IV Scales ‐ Teacher (CADS‐T)

2

254

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.05 [‐1.31, ‐0.78]

1.2.11 Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviour (SWAN) Scale

1

64

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.33 [‐0.82, 0.17]

1.3 Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment Show forest plot

21

1728

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.88, ‐0.61]

1.3.1 Short term (up to 6 months)

20

1475

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.77 [‐0.91, ‐0.64]

1.3.2 Long term (over 6 months)

1

253

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.47 [‐0.72, ‐0.22]

1.4 Subgroup analysis: dose Show forest plot

21

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

1.4.1 Low dose

7

361

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.60 [‐0.82, ‐0.39]

1.4.2 High dose

8

766

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐1.00, ‐0.50]

1.4.3 Unknown dose

8

753

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.85 [‐1.02, ‐0.68]

1.5 Subgroup analysis: medication status ‐ medication naive versus not medication naive Show forest plot

11

882

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.76 [‐0.94, ‐0.59]

1.5.1 Medication naive

7

480

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐0.88, ‐0.51]

1.5.2 Not medication naive

4

402

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.85 [‐1.20, ‐0.50]

1.6 Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design Show forest plot

20

1679

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.89, ‐0.62]

1.6.1 Trials with enrichment design of all participants

8

1072

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.96, ‐0.53]

1.6.2 Trials without enrichment design of all participants

12

607

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.78 [‐0.96, ‐0.60]

1.7 Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

21

1728

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.88, ‐0.61]

1.7.1 Parallel‐group trials

19

1633

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.76 [‐0.90, ‐0.61]

1.7.2 First‐period cross‐over trials

2

95

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.57 [‐0.98, ‐0.15]

1.8 Subgroup analysis: vested interest Show forest plot

18

1460

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.90, ‐0.58]

1.8.1 Low risk of vested interest

4

186

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.49 [‐0.79, ‐0.20]

1.8.2 High risk of vested interest

14

1274

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.78 [‐0.96, ‐0.60]

1.9 Subgroup analysis: type of control group Show forest plot

21

1728

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.88, ‐0.61]

1.9.1 Placebo control group

17

1358

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.77 [‐0.92, ‐0.63]

1.9.2 No‐intervention control group

4

370

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.99, ‐0.24]

1.10 Cross‐over trial (endpoint data) Show forest plot

64

6341

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.88 [‐1.01, ‐0.75]

1.10.1 Low risk of bias

7

733

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.84, ‐0.40]

1.10.2 High risk of bias

57

5608

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.91 [‐1.06, ‐0.77]

1.11 Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose Show forest plot

58

7403

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.82 [‐0.93, ‐0.71]

1.11.1 Low dose

43

4530

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.72 [‐0.86, ‐0.59]

1.11.2 High dose

31

2873

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.96 [‐1.15, ‐0.77]

1.12 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

81

7564

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.82 [‐0.87, ‐0.77]

1.12.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

21

1728

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.84, ‐0.64]

1.12.2 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

60

5836

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.85 [‐0.90, ‐0.79]

1.13 All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias Show forest plot

81

7564

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.85 [‐0.96, ‐0.74]

1.13.1 Low risk of bias

8

518

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.68 [‐0.91, ‐0.45]

1.13.2 High risk of bias

73

7046

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.87 [‐0.99, ‐0.75]

1.14 All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest Show forest plot

77

7212

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.85 [‐0.96, ‐0.73]

1.14.1 Low risk of vested interest

23

1446

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.83 [‐1.08, ‐0.58]

1.14.2 High risk of vested interest

54

5766

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.85 [‐0.98, ‐0.72]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 1. Teacher‐rated ADHD symptoms
Comparison 2. Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

2.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

22

3724

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.10 [‐1.44, ‐0.77]

2.1.1 Low risk of bias

4

942

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.40 [‐0.78, ‐0.03]

2.1.2 High risk of bias

18

2782

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.30 [‐1.70, ‐0.89]

2.2 Subgroup analysis: types of scales Show forest plot

22

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

2.2.1 Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M‐Glynn and Pelham (SKAMP) Scale

6

778

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐2.79 [‐4.10, ‐1.47]

2.2.2 ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD‐RS )

14

2802

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.60 [‐0.81, ‐0.38]

2.2.3 Swanson, Nolan and Pelham (SNAP) Scale

1

221

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.35 [‐0.61, ‐0.08]

2.2.4 Unknown

1

78

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.94 [‐1.41, ‐0.47]

2.3 Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment Show forest plot

22

3724

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.10 [‐1.44, ‐0.77]

2.3.1 Short term (up to 6 months)

21

3503

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.15 [‐1.50, ‐0.80]

2.3.2 Long term (over 6 months)

1

221

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.35 [‐0.61, ‐0.08]

2.4 Subgroup analysis: dose Show forest plot

22

3724

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.10 [‐1.44, ‐0.77]

2.4.1 Low dose

1

138

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.19 [‐0.52, 0.15]

2.4.2 High dose

17

3005

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.84 [‐1.13, ‐0.55]

2.4.3 Unknown dose

4

581

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐2.57 [‐4.40, ‐0.74]

2.5 Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design Show forest plot

22

3724

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.10 [‐1.44, ‐0.77]

2.5.1 Trials with enrichment design of all participants

19

3245

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.24 [‐1.61, ‐0.87]

2.5.2 Trials without enrichment design of all participants

3

479

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.22 [‐0.62, 0.17]

2.6 Subgroup analysis: type of control group Show forest plot

22

3724

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.10 [‐1.44, ‐0.77]

2.6.1 Placebo control group

20

3200

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.22 [‐1.58, ‐0.85]

2.6.2 No‐intervention control group

2

524

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.14 [‐0.52, 0.23]

2.7 Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

22

3724

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.10 [‐1.44, ‐0.77]

2.7.1 Parallel‐group trials

19

3550

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.17 [‐1.54, ‐0.80]

2.7.2 First‐period cross‐over trials

3

174

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.72 [‐1.03, ‐0.41]

2.8 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

22

3854

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.97 [‐1.11, ‐0.83]

2.8.1 High risk of bias

22

3854

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.97 [‐1.11, ‐0.83]

2.9 Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose Show forest plot

22

5257

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.88 [‐1.00, ‐0.76]

2.9.1 Low dose

17

3067

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.72 [‐0.86, ‐0.58]

2.9.2 High dose

13

2051

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.07 [‐1.27, ‐0.86]

2.9.3 Unknown dose

1

139

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.03 [‐1.39, ‐0.68]

2.10 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

42

7277

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.99 [‐1.18, ‐0.80]

2.10.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

21

3586

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.15 [‐1.50, ‐0.81]

2.10.2 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

21

3691

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.93 [‐1.07, ‐0.78]

2.11 All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias Show forest plot

42

7277

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.99 [‐1.18, ‐0.80]

2.11.1 Low risk of bias

4

942

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.40 [‐0.78, ‐0.03]

2.11.2 High risk of bias

38

6335

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.06 [‐1.25, ‐0.86]

2.12 All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest Show forest plot

43

7414

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.98 [‐1.17, ‐0.80]

2.12.1 Low risk of vested interest

6

600

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.96 [‐1.43, ‐0.48]

2.12.2 High risk or unclear risk of vested interest

37

6814

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.99 [‐1.19, ‐0.79]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 2. Independent assessor‐rated ADHD symptoms
Comparison 3. Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

3.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

27

2927

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.76, ‐0.50]

3.1.1 Low risk of bias

6

702

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.49 [‐0.71, ‐0.26]

3.1.2 High risk of bias

21

2225

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.66 [‐0.81, ‐0.51]

3.2 Subgroup analysis: types of scales Show forest plot

27

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

3.2.1 Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS)

8

800

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.53 [‐0.80, ‐0.26]

3.2.2 ADHD Rating Scale ‐ Fourth Edition (ADHD‐RS‐IV)

5

753

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.37 [‐0.53, ‐0.21]

3.2.3 Fremdbeurteilungsbogen für Hyperkinetische Störungen (FBB‐HKS)

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.91 [‐1.36, ‐0.46]

3.2.4 Conners’ ADHD/DSM‐IV Scales ‐ Parent (CADS‐P)

2

195

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.12 [‐1.44, ‐0.81]

3.2.5 CADS‐P Inattentive subscale

1

109

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.78 [‐1.17, ‐0.39]

3.2.6 CADS‐P Hyperactivity subscale

1

109

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.93 [‐1.32, ‐0.53]

3.2.7 Clinican's Manual for the Assesment of Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale for Parents (Barkley)

1

41

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.21 [‐0.82, 0.41]

3.2.8 Abbreviated Conners' Rating Scale (ACRS) ‐ Parent

2

121

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.99, ‐0.25]

3.2.9 Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, Fourth Edition ‐ Parent (SNAP‐IV‐Parent) Scale

4

390

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.59 [‐0.80, ‐0.39]

3.2.10 Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior (SWAN) Scale

1

86

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.43 [‐0.86, 0.00]

3.2.11 IOWA Conners' Rating Scale ‐ Inattention/Overactivity (IOWA‐I/O)

3

352

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.78 [‐1.35, ‐0.21]

3.2.12 Parent Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scale

1

97

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐1.23, ‐0.11]

3.3 Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment Show forest plot

27

2927

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.76, ‐0.50]

3.3.1 Short term (up to 6 months)

25

2605

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.78, ‐0.49]

3.3.2 Long term (over 6 months)

2

322

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.56 [‐0.79, ‐0.34]

3.4 Subgroup analysis: dose Show forest plot

27

3075

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.61 [‐0.74, ‐0.48]

3.4.1 Low dose

4

254

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.51 [‐1.14, 0.13]

3.4.2 High dose

12

1650

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.58 [‐0.80, ‐0.37]

3.4.3 Unknown dose

13

1171

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐0.83, ‐0.51]

3.5 Subgroup analysis: medication status ‐ medication naive versus not medication naive Show forest plot

11

992

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.65 [‐0.87, ‐0.43]

3.5.1 Medication naive

7

544

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.58 [‐0.84, ‐0.32]

3.5.2 Not medication naive

4

448

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐1.16, ‐0.35]

3.6 Subgroup analysis: trials with enrichment design compared with trials without enrichment design Show forest plot

25

2803

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.77, ‐0.49]

3.6.1 Trials with enrichment design of all participants

13

2155

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.78, ‐0.48]

3.6.2 Trials without enrichment design of all participants

12

648

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.61 [‐0.88, ‐0.34]

3.7 Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

27

2927

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.76, ‐0.50]

3.7.1 Parallel‐group trials

25

2874

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.76, ‐0.49]

3.7.2 First‐period cross‐over trials

2

53

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.68 [‐1.25, ‐0.11]

3.8 Subgroup analysis: type of control group Show forest plot

27

2927

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.76, ‐0.50]

3.8.1 Placebo control group

19

2263

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.64 [‐0.80, ‐0.48]

3.8.2 No‐intervention control group

8

664

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.59 [‐0.84, ‐0.34]

3.9 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

45

4971

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐0.86, ‐0.55]

3.9.1 Low risk of bias

8

853

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.56 [‐0.72, ‐0.40]

3.9.2 High risk of bias

37

4118

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.94, ‐0.57]

3.10 Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose Show forest plot

45

6155

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.76, ‐0.50]

3.10.1 Low dose

26

3242

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.58 [‐0.71, ‐0.45]

3.10.2 High dose

29

2508

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.90, ‐0.60]

3.10.3 Unknown dose

3

405

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.19 [‐1.55, 1.93]

3.11 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

69

7838

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐0.78, ‐0.56]

3.11.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

27

2955

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.76, ‐0.50]

3.11.2 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

43

4883

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.71 [‐0.86, ‐0.55]

3.12 All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias Show forest plot

69

7503

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.68 [‐0.79, ‐0.57]

3.12.1 Low risk of bias

12

1234

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.53 [‐0.68, ‐0.39]

3.12.2 High risk of bias

57

6269

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.71 [‐0.84, ‐0.58]

3.13 All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest Show forest plot

69

7503

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.68 [‐0.79, ‐0.57]

3.13.1 Low risk of vested interest

19

1187

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.69 [‐0.84, ‐0.54]

3.13.2 High risk or unclear risk of vested interest

50

6316

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.68 [‐0.82, ‐0.54]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 3. Parent‐rated ADHD symptoms
Comparison 4. Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

4.1 Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comparison of raters Show forest plot

46

7965

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.73 [‐0.85, ‐0.60]

4.1.1 Teacher‐rated

21

1759

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.90, ‐0.60]

4.1.2 Independent assessor‐rated

20

3601

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.88 [‐1.18, ‐0.58]

4.1.3 Parent‐rated

26

2605

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.64 [‐0.77, ‐0.51]

4.2 Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: age Show forest plot

13

2374

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.93 [‐1.35, ‐0.50]

4.2.1 2 to 6 years

2

153

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.50 [‐0.82, ‐0.18]

4.2.2 7 to 11 years

5

623

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.77 [‐3.24, ‐0.29]

4.2.3 12 to 18 years

6

1598

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.48 [‐0.77, ‐0.19]

4.3 Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comorbidity versus no comorbidity Show forest plot

29

3433

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.69 [‐0.84, ‐0.54]

4.3.1 ADHD with comorbidity

20

2128

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐0.88, ‐0.47]

4.3.2 ADHD without comorbidity

9

1305

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.73 [‐0.91, ‐0.54]

4.4 Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: subtypes ADHD: ADHD Rating Scale (parent‐, teacher‐ or independent assessor‐rated) Show forest plot

2

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.4.1 Combined ADHD

2

559

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.65 [‐1.30, 2.60]

4.4.2 Inattentive ADHD

1

204

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.31 [‐1.61, ‐1.01]

4.5 Cross‐over trials: first‐period data versus endpoint data (parent‐, independent assessor‐ and teacher‐rated) Show forest plot

4

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

4.5.1 First‐period data

4

191

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.64 [‐0.93, ‐0.34]

4.5.2 Endpoint data

4

372

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.91 [‐1.18, ‐0.65]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 4. Additional subgroup analyses of ADHD symptoms
Comparison 5. Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

5.1 Proportions of participants with serious adverse events (SAE) Show forest plot

26

3673

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.80 [0.39, 1.67]

5.2 Nervous system (including psychiatry) Show forest plot

12

4199

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.70 [0.29, 1.71]

5.2.1 Aggression

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.05, 5.49]

5.2.2 Concussion

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.34 [0.01, 8.17]

5.2.3 Loss of consciousness

1

221

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 8.02]

5.2.4 Psychosis

4

919

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.13, 5.12]

5.2.5 Syncope

3

741

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.39 [0.23, 8.47]

5.2.6 Suicidal ideation

6

1032

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.63 [0.07, 38.55]

5.2.7 Suicidal behaviour

2

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

5.2.8 Oppositional behaviour/negativism

1

217

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.17 [0.01, 4.04]

5.2.9 Adjustment disorder

1

230

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.78 [0.03, 18.91]

5.3 Digestive system Show forest plot

2

414

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.11 [0.22, 20.04]

5.3.1 Appendicitis

2

414

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.11 [0.22, 20.04]

5.4 Cardiovascular systems Show forest plot

2

280

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.11, 9.65]

5.4.1 Haematoma

1

221

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 8.02]

5.4.2 Tachycardia

1

59

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.10 [0.13, 73.14]

5.5 Respiratory systems Show forest plot

1

606

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.11, 9.62]

5.5.1 Bronchitis

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.34 [0.01, 8.17]

5.5.2 Asthma

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.02 [0.12, 73.54]

5.6 Urinary system Show forest plot

2

578

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.14 [0.23, 19.81]

5.6.1 Renal cyst

1

275

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.49 [0.06, 36.27]

5.6.2 Kidney infection

1

303

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.02 [0.12, 73.54]

5.7 Skeletal and muscular system (including pain) Show forest plot

1

221

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 8.02]

5.7.1 Clavical fracture

1

221

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 8.02]

5.8 Immune system (including infections) Show forest plot

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.02 [0.12, 73.54]

5.8.1 Cyst rupture

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.02 [0.12, 73.54]

5.9 Other Show forest plot

2

524

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.10, 9.55]

5.9.1 Drug toxicity

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.34 [0.01, 8.17]

5.9.2 Overdose

1

221

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.97 [0.12, 72.20]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 5. Serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials
Comparison 6. Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

6.1 Proportion of participants with serious adverse events (SAE) Show forest plot

16

3323

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.46 [0.50, 12.03]

6.2 Nervous system (including psychiatry) Show forest plot

2

304

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.05 [0.22, 19.14]

6.2.1 Hallucinations

1

37

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.33 [0.06, 30.42]

6.2.2 Psychiatric disorder

1

267

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.21 [0.13, 78.04]

6.3 Urinary system Show forest plot

1

136

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.12, 72.37]

6.3.1 Proteinuria

1

136

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.12, 72.37]

6.4 Immune system Show forest plot

1

644

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.93 [0.31, 27.99]

6.4.1 Peritonsillar abscess

1

322

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.93 [0.12, 71.32]

6.4.2 Oral bullae

1

322

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.93 [0.12, 71.32]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 6. Serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data)
Comparison 7. Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

7.1 Proportion of participants with non‐serious adverse events Show forest plot

35

5342

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.23 [1.11, 1.37]

7.2 Subgroup analysis: proportion of participants with non‐serious adverse events according to dose Show forest plot

32

4718

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.24 [1.12, 1.37]

7.2.1 Low dose

3

289

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.02 [0.97, 1.07]

7.2.2 High dose

22

3365

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.23 [1.14, 1.32]

7.2.3 Unknown dose

8

1064

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.37 [0.93, 2.02]

7.3 Nervous system (including psychiatry) Show forest plot

37

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.3.1 Affective

4

456

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.39 [0.48, 11.96]

7.3.2 Aggression

3

503

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.23 [0.30, 5.08]

7.3.3 Apathy

1

59

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.80 [0.19, 3.33]

7.3.4 Confusion or confusional state

3

823

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.17, 3.24]

7.3.5 Depression

1

59

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.22, 3.10]

7.3.6 Dizziness

11

2149

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.77 [0.95, 3.30]

7.3.7 Drowsiness

4

811

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.27 [0.82, 1.98]

7.3.8 Emotional lability

5

624

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.24 [0.54, 2.85]

7.3.9 Fatigue

14

2228

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.44, 1.02]

7.3.10 Headache

32

5041

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.33 [1.04, 1.70]

7.3.11 Irritability

20

3290

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.05 [0.82, 1.34]

7.3.12 Nervousness

2

362

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.52 [0.82, 7.76]

7.3.13 Pain

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.91 [0.21, 17.60]

7.3.14 Picking at skin or fingers, nail biting, lip or cheek chewing

5

686

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.60, 1.57]

7.3.15 Sad, tearful or depressed

7

1015

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.47 [0.95, 2.28]

7.3.16 Thirst

2

179

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.13, 71.82]

7.3.17 Dull, tired, listless

1

110

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.70 [0.51, 5.68]

7.3.18 Tics or nervous movements

12

1556

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.27, 2.22]

7.3.19 Worried or anxious

3

596

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.37 [0.84, 2.25]

7.3.20 Feeling jittery

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.52 [0.05, 5.56]

7.3.21 Malaise

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.3.22 Dysgeusia

2

171

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.19, 3.30]

7.3.23 Lethargy

2

224

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.40, 1.17]

7.3.24 Aphonia

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.3.25 Psychomotor hyperactivity

3

522

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.67 [0.61, 22.01]

7.3.26 Syncope

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.3.27 Tremor

3

231

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.3.28 Social withdrawal

1

110

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.56 [0.24, 26.71]

7.3.29 Sedation

1

138

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.30 [0.66, 2.53]

7.3.30 Mood swings

2

247

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.53 [0.94, 6.82]

7.3.31 Anger

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.3.32 Anxiety

2

180

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.08, 5.08]

7.3.33 Change in sustained attention

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.3.34 Emotional poverty

2

175

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.47 [0.37, 32.68]

7.3.35 Trichotillomania

1

85

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.80 [0.12, 66.85]

7.3.36 Stuttering

1

94

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.98]

7.3.37 Emotional disorder

2

174

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.42 [0.02, 10.16]

7.3.38 Negativism

2

174

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.83 [0.16, 91.41]

7.3.39 Migraine

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.3.40 Tension

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

23.00 [1.42, 373.44]

7.4 Digestive system Show forest plot

34

22299

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.81 [1.54, 2.14]

7.4.1 Change in appetite

1

94

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.78 [0.32, 1.92]

7.4.2 Decreased appetite

30

5127

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.35 [2.49, 4.50]

7.4.3 Increased appetite

2

265

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.15 [0.02, 1.34]

7.4.4 Change in weight

1

94

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.40 [0.08, 1.96]

7.4.5 Increased weight

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.4.6 Decreased weight

11

2001

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

5.44 [2.47, 11.98]

7.4.7 Dyspepsia

5

390

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.16, 3.19]

7.4.8 Upper abdominal pain

10

1745

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.25 [0.79, 1.96]

7.4.9 Stomachache (abdominal pain)

18

3069

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.19 [0.94, 1.50]

7.4.10 Vomiting

20

3105

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.26 [0.85, 1.86]

7.4.11 Constipation

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.4.12 Oral pain

2

171

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.4.13 Retching

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.4.14 Diarrhoea

8

1088

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.83 [0.35, 1.94]

7.4.15 Dry mouth

4

1057

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.79 [1.26, 11.39]

7.4.16 Nausea

19

3484

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.40 [1.00, 1.95]

7.4.17 Flatulence

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.4.18 Gastritis

1

89

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.83 [0.16, 91.40]

7.4.19 Gastrointestinal concerns (unspecified)

1

94

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.06, 15.52]

7.4.20 Polydipsia

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.5 Cardiovascular system Show forest plot

12

3047

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.41 [0.81, 2.46]

7.5.1 ECG: prolonged QT‐interval

2

466

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.13, 5.00]

7.5.2 ECG: tachycardia

5

686

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.20, 2.22]

7.5.3 Increased diastolic blood pressure

1

119

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.07 [0.43, 2.68]

7.5.4 Increased systolic blood pressure

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.5.5 Increased heart rate

2

422

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

4.99 [0.86, 28.85]

7.5.6 Supraventricular extrasystoles

1

17

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.11, 84.55]

7.5.7 Ventricular arrhythmia

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.5.8 Epistaxis

3

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.71 [0.29, 10.07]

7.5.9 Increased blood pressure

2

414

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.72 [0.00, 7037727483218459000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.00]

7.5.10 Orthostatic hypotension

1

329

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.72 [0.00, 7037727483218459000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.00]

7.5.11 Palpitations

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

11.00 [0.64, 190.54]

7.5.12 Pallor

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

23.00 [1.42, 373.44]

7.6 Respiratory system Show forest plot

13

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.6.1 Pharyngolaryngeal pain

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.12 [0.59, 2.13]

7.6.2 Upper respiratory tract infection

3

421

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.14 [0.56, 2.34]

7.6.3 Bronchitis

1

85

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.31 [0.01, 7.43]

7.6.4 Oropharyngeal pain

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

7.33 [0.39, 137.67]

7.6.5 Rhinorrhoea

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

5.23 [0.26, 105.88]

7.6.6 Allergic bronchitis

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.6.7 Sneezing

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.6.8 Nasal congestion

3

565

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.24 [0.62, 2.48]

7.6.9 Cough

9

1656

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.31 [0.62, 2.78]

7.6.10 Shortness of breath

2

179

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.13, 71.82]

7.7 Urinary system Show forest plot

1

178

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.83 [0.41, 36.08]

7.7.1 Pollakiuria

1

89

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.83 [0.16, 91.40]

7.7.2 Urinary incontinence

1

89

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.83 [0.16, 91.40]

7.8 Skeletal and muscular systems (including pain) Show forest plot

7

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.8.1 Arthralgia

2

388

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.24, 1.84]

7.8.2 Asthenia

1

177

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [0.01, 4.25]

7.8.3 Back pain

3

474

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.38, 1.57]

7.8.4 Myalgia

3

474

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.22, 1.35]

7.8.5 Toothache

1

303

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.01 [0.43, 2.35]

7.8.6 Ligament strain

1

85

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.31 [0.01, 7.43]

7.8.7 Muscle strain

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.8.8 Fractures

1

94

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.13, 71.82]

7.8.9 Muscle cramps

1

94

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.13, 71.82]

7.8.10 Pain in extremity

1

89

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.26 [0.01, 5.16]

7.8.11 Pain

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.87 [0.22, 16.19]

7.9 Immune system (including infections) Show forest plot

17

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

7.9.1 Gastroenteritis

5

606

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.41 [0.66, 8.78]

7.9.2 Influenza

4

709

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.23, 1.30]

7.9.3 Nasopharyngitis

10

1623

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.14 [0.76, 1.70]

7.9.4 Otitis media

3

271

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.15, 6.61]

7.9.5 Pharyngitis

5

614

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.02 [0.55, 7.35]

7.9.6 Pyrexia

5

678

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.68 [0.12, 3.81]

7.9.7 Rhinitis

1

132

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.28 [0.43, 3.79]

7.9.8 Upper respiratory tract infection ‐ not otherwise specified (NOS)

12

1929

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.65, 1.39]

7.9.9 Viral infection NOS

5

1029

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.44, 2.14]

7.9.10 Seasonal allergy

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.9.11 Streptococcal impetigo

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.9.12 Sinusitis

1

89

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.42 [0.02, 10.16]

7.9.13 Cellulitis

1

89

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.42 [0.02, 10.16]

7.9.14 Pleurisy

1

275

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.49 [0.06, 36.27]

7.10 Integumentary system Show forest plot

7

1455

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.76 [0.37, 1.58]

7.10.1 Purple spots

1

94

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.00 [0.13, 71.82]

7.10.2 Skin disorder (rash)

5

460

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.76 [0.12, 4.96]

7.10.3 Skin laceration

3

474

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.47 [0.18, 1.22]

7.10.4 Burns second degree

1

85

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.80 [0.12, 66.85]

7.10.5 Burns first degree

1

86

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.10.6 Subcutaneous haematoma

1

86

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.10.7 Periorbital haematoma

1

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.10.8 Rash maculo‐papular

1

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.11 Sleep variability Show forest plot

29

7308

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.57 [1.23, 2.02]

7.11.1 Somnolence

6

757

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.87 [0.52, 1.46]

7.11.2 Trouble sleeping or sleep problems

15

2620

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.62 [1.18, 2.21]

7.11.3 Insomnia

15

2315

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.90 [1.12, 3.22]

7.11.4 Initial insomnia

5

917

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.25 [0.89, 5.71]

7.11.5 Middle insomnia

2

171

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.05 [0.07, 16.22]

7.11.6 Sleep disorder

2

528

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.22, 2.10]

7.12 Sleep variability continuous outcomes Show forest plot

2

943

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.03 [‐0.01, 0.06]

7.12.1 Sleep efficiency after treatment discontinuation (percentage)

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.42 [0.21, 10.63]

7.12.2 Sleep onset latency (min)

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐20.16 [‐45.74, 5.42]

7.12.3 Total sleep time (min)

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

30.82 [‐7.73, 69.37]

7.12.4 Total in‐bed time (min)

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.07 [‐33.82, 29.68]

7.12.5 Wake after sleep onset (min)

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐7.89 [‐22.87, 7.09]

7.12.6 Number of wake bouts

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.66 [‐8.38, 7.06]

7.12.7 Mean wake bout time (min)

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.17 [‐0.47, 0.13]

7.12.8 Interdaily stability

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.03 [‐0.06, 0.12]

7.12.9 Interdaily variability

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.03 [‐0.01, 0.07]

7.12.10 Amount of activity during the 5 hours with the lowest activity

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.46 [‐1.62, 0.70]

7.12.11 Amount of activity during the 10 hours with the highest activity

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.59 [‐3.57, 2.39]

7.12.12 Amplitude of sleep‐wake rhythm

1

48

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.12 [‐2.87, 2.63]

7.12.13 Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

1

367

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.10 [‐0.83, 1.03]

7.13 Vital signs Show forest plot

14

6407

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.12 [1.26, 2.98]

7.13.1 Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)

13

2032

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.90 [0.68, 3.11]

7.13.2 Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

13

2032

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.85 [‐0.20, 1.89]

7.13.3 Pulse or heart rate (bpm)

13

2205

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.86 [2.09, 5.63]

7.13.4 ECG: changes in QTcB

1

138

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.70 [‐7.94, 4.54]

7.14 Physical parameters Show forest plot

7

2425

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.97 [‐1.24, ‐0.70]

7.14.1 Height

1

215

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.06 [‐0.35, 0.22]

7.14.2 Weight

7

1400

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.13 [‐1.40, ‐0.85]

7.14.3 BMI

3

810

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.00 [‐1.26, ‐0.73]

7.15 Other (including drug toxicity) Show forest plot

9

4145

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.13 [0.74, 1.72]

7.15.1 Accidental injury

3

656

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.48, 2.07]

7.15.2 Excoriation

2

389

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.22 [1.20, 8.64]

7.15.3 Overdose

1

221

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.97 [0.12, 72.20]

7.15.4 Arthropod‐bite

2

171

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.15.5 Contusion

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.12 [0.01, 2.10]

7.15.6 Wound

2

171

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.73 [0.06, 9.22]

7.15.7 Tinnitus

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

5.23 [0.26, 105.89]

7.15.8 Dry eye

2

171

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.15.9 Excessive eye blinking

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.15.10 Occular hyperaemia

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.15.11 Visual impairment

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.15.12 Red eyes

1

94

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.33 [0.01, 7.98]

7.15.13 Conjunctival abrasion

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.15.14 Radius fracture

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.15.15 Snake bite

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.14 [0.13, 74.98]

7.15.16 Enuresis

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.15.17 Night sweats

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.15.18 Abnormal liver function test

1

85

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.31 [0.01, 7.43]

7.15.19 Alopecia

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.15.20 Nail injury

1

86

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.35 [0.01, 8.33]

7.15.21 Itching

2

179

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

5.00 [0.25, 101.43]

7.15.22 Ear pain

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.15.23 Corneal injury

1

89

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.42 [0.02, 10.16]

7.15.24 Wrist fracture

1

329

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.51 [0.06, 36.85]

7.15.25 Dysmennorhea

1

329

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.51 [0.06, 36.85]

7.15.26 Myopia

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

7.15.27 Other AEs unspecified

1

60

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.40 [0.08, 1.90]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 7. Non‐serious adverse events: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials
Comparison 8. Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

8.1 Proportion of participants with non‐serious events Show forest plot

24

2696

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.39 [1.13, 1.70]

8.2 Subgroup analysis: total number of non‐serious adverse events according to dose Show forest plot

24

3483

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.31 [1.12, 1.53]

8.2.1 Low dose

16

1539

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.11 [0.94, 1.31]

8.2.2 High dose

12

1080

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.57 [1.22, 2.01]

8.2.3 Unknown dose

5

864

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.50 [0.88, 2.56]

8.3 Nervous system (including psychiatry) Show forest plot

52

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.3.1 Aggression

3

743

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.52 [0.17, 1.60]

8.3.2 Agitation

2

273

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.93 [0.37, 10.16]

8.3.3 Anger

3

264

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.45 [0.26, 0.77]

8.3.4 Behavioural complaints

1

82

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.35, 0.86]

8.3.5 Buccal or lingual movements

5

569

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.12 [0.81, 1.55]

8.3.6 Compulsive acts

1

90

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.57 [1.45, 4.56]

8.3.7 Daydreaming

3

222

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.44, 0.98]

8.3.8 Dizziness

12

2163

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.06 [0.91, 1.23]

8.3.9 Drowsiness: dull, tired, listless or sleepy

24

3011

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.80, 1.20]

8.3.10 Euphoria

7

1457

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.72, 1.31]

8.3.11 Headache

43

5981

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.25 [1.06, 1.48]

8.3.12 Thirst

1

211

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 69.04]

8.3.13 Irritability

27

4110

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.74, 1.27]

8.3.14 Nightmares

11

1738

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.73, 1.35]

8.3.15 Overly meticulous

1

96

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

40.77 [2.35, 706.72]

8.3.16 Obsessive thinking

1

90

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.35 [1.53, 3.62]

8.3.17 Picking at skin or fingers, nail biting, lip or cheek chewing

18

2549

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.86, 1.25]

8.3.18 Repetitive language

1

48

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.32, 3.10]

8.3.19 Sad, tearful or depressed

26

3510

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.15 [0.96, 1.37]

8.3.20 Socially withdrawn ‐ decreased interaction with others

15

2432

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.36 [0.95, 1.95]

8.3.21 Stares a lot

11

2110

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.04 [0.83, 1.31]

8.3.22 Tics or nervous movements

24

3429

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.23 [1.02, 1.50]

8.3.23 Unusual blinking

1

48

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.13 [0.12, 80.68]

8.3.24 Worried or anxious

23

3366

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.85 [0.66, 1.11]

8.3.25 Fatique

1

211

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

4.59 [0.22, 94.57]

8.3.26 Emotional lability

1

154

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

9.25 [2.24, 38.22]

8.3.27 Dysphoria

1

154

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

4.63 [0.23, 94.88]

8.3.28 Moody

1

211

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

4.59 [0.22, 94.57]

8.3.29 Uninterested

1

1052

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.20 [0.82, 1.75]

8.3.30 Prone to crying

1

1052

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.72 [1.04, 2.86]

8.4 Nervous system (including psychiatry) continuous outcomes Show forest plot

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.80 [‐3.56, 1.96]

8.4.1 Anxiety

1

40

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.80 [‐3.56, 1.96]

8.5 Digestive system Show forest plot

48

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.5.1 Decreased appetite or loss of appetite

41

6091

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.89 [2.76, 5.48]

8.5.2 Diarrhoea

5

767

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.38, 2.34]

8.5.3 Dry mouth

6

496

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.32 [0.59, 2.97]

8.5.4 Dyspepsia

1

62

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.22 [0.02, 2.14]

8.5.5 Nausea

11

1182

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.67 [1.13, 2.46]

8.5.6 Increased appetite

1

136

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.20 [0.08, 0.50]

8.5.7 Stomach ache (abdominal pain)

38

5803

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.70 [1.35, 2.15]

8.5.8 Vomiting

7

1278

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.47 [0.82, 7.47]

8.5.9 Upper abdominal pain

1

107

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

442413.39 [0.00, 294025957312946900000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.00]

8.5.10 Decreased weight

2

365

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

5.04 [0.59, 43.15]

8.5.11 Gastrointestinal distress

1

77

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

8103.08 [0.00, 1011052702371868400000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.00]

8.5.12 Constipation

1

154

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

4.63 [0.23, 94.88]

8.5.13 Oropharyngeal pain

1

211

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.72 [0.00, 11653710777400273000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000.00]

8.5.14 Anorexia

1

203

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.97 [0.61, 14.37]

8.6 Cardiovascular system Show forest plot

2

730

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.97 [1.09, 22.76]

8.6.1 Epistaxis

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.6.2 Heart palpitations

2

365

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

5.65 [0.67, 47.90]

8.6.3 Chest pain

1

211

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

6.43 [0.34, 123.02]

8.7 Respiratory system Show forest plot

2

673

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

1.29 [0.36, 4.68]

8.7.1 Nasal congestion

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.92 [0.06, 14.52]

8.7.2 Strep throat/sore throat

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.30, 26.09]

8.7.3 Cough

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

0.46 [0.04, 5.00]

8.7.4 Dyspnea

1

211

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.76 [0.11, 66.91]

8.8 Urinary system Show forest plot

1

136

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.05, 5.39]

8.8.1 Urinary incontinence

1

136

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.50 [0.05, 5.39]

8.9 Skeletal and muscular system Show forest plot

2

673

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.86 [0.83, 28.54]

8.9.1 Ankle pain/strain

1

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

8.9.2 Muscle strain/pain

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

12.04 [0.69, 210.03]

8.9.3 Toe fracture

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.9.4 Asthenia

1

211

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.76 [0.11, 66.91]

8.10 Skeletal and muscular system continuous outcomes Show forest plot

1

82

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.85 [0.79, 0.91]

8.10.1 Somatic complaints

1

82

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.85 [0.79, 0.91]

8.11 Immune system (including infections) Show forest plot

9

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.11.1 Allergic rhinitis

4

475

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.38 [0.35, 5.51]

8.11.2 Fever

2

91

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.39 [0.09, 20.56]

8.11.3 Lymphadenitis

2

296

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

3.93 [0.44, 35.11]

8.11.4 Pharyngolaryngeal pain

1

160

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.00 [0.19, 21.62]

8.11.5 Pharyngitis

4

754

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.19, 2.62]

8.11.6 Upper respiratory tract infection

7

1245

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.21 [0.51, 2.86]

8.11.7 Nasopharyngitis

1

203

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.22, 2.87]

8.11.8 Influenza

1

154

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

4.63 [0.23, 94.87]

8.11.9 Mouth ulcers/bad breath

1

154

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

4.63 [0.23, 94.87]

8.11.10 Urinary tract infection

1

154

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.11.11 Otitis media (ear pain)

1

0

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

8.12 Integumentary system Show forest plot

4

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.12.1 Rash

3

362

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.49 [0.35, 6.37]

8.12.2 Skin laceration

1

167

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.96 [0.12, 71.75]

8.12.3 Cellulitis

1

154

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.13 Sleep variability continuous outcomes Show forest plot

1

512

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.21 [‐5.23, 0.81]

8.13.1 Actigraphic total sleep time

1

52

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐29.80 [‐60.86, 1.26]

8.13.2 Actigraphic sleep onset latency

1

52

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

21.10 [1.33, 40.87]

8.13.3 Actigraphic sleep efficiency

1

52

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐3.30 [‐8.16, 1.56]

8.13.4 Polysonmnographic total sleep time

1

252

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐24.60 [‐52.20, 3.00]

8.13.5 Polysomnographic sleep onset latency

1

52

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

8.40 [‐7.11, 23.91]

8.13.6 Polysomnographic sleep efficiency

1

52

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.20 [‐6.34, 1.94]

8.14 Sleep variability Show forest plot

39

5810

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.81 [1.34, 2.44]

8.14.1 Insomnia or sleep problems

37

5499

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

1.88 [1.39, 2.56]

8.14.2 Sleep efficiency (SEF)

2

108

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.48 [0.02, 14.28]

8.14.3 Initial insomnia

1

203

Risk Ratio (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.59 [0.15, 2.42]

8.15 Vital signs Show forest plot

14

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

8.15.1 Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg)

11

755

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.15 [‐0.04, 0.34]

8.15.2 Systolic blood pressure (mmHg)

11

755

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.05 [‐0.15, 0.26]

8.15.3 Pulse or heart rate (bpm)

14

939

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.43 [0.23, 0.64]

8.16 Physical parameters Show forest plot

6

576

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.04 [‐0.20, 0.13]

8.16.1 Height (cm)

1

46

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.20 [‐0.38, 0.78]

8.16.2 Weight

6

530

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.06 [‐0.23, 0.11]

8.17 Other (including drug toxicity) Show forest plot

2

1443

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

3.25 [0.99, 10.62]

8.17.1 Growth hormone deficiency

1

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

8.17.2 Eye pain

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.17.3 Carious teeth

1

0

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

Not estimable

8.17.4 Foreign body swallowed

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.17.5 Bug bites/bee stings

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.63 [0.23, 94.87]

8.17.6 Sunburn

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.17.7 Finger laceration

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.78 [0.11, 67.14]

8.17.8 Flat affect (lack of emotional expression)

1

154

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

4.63 [0.23, 94.87]

8.17.9 Peripheral oedema

1

211

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)

2.76 [0.11, 66.91]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 8. Non‐serious adverse events: cross‐over trials (endpoint data)
Comparison 9. Teacher‐rated general behaviour

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

9.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.1.1 High risk of bias

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.2 Subgroup analysis: types of scales Show forest plot

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.2.1 Conners' Global Index ‐ Teacher (CGI‐T)

1

314

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.91 [‐1.14, ‐0.68]

9.2.2 Groninger Behaviour Observation Scale (GBOS)

1

43

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.84 [‐1.46, ‐0.21]

9.2.3 Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS‐RS)

1

75

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.08 [‐0.54, 0.37]

9.2.4 Conners' Teacher Rating Scale ‐ Oppositional behaviour (CRS‐R)

1

49

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.06 [‐0.50, 0.62]

9.2.5 Conners' Teacher Rating Scale ‐ Conduct problems

1

25

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐1.48, 0.14]

9.2.6 IOWA Conners' Rating Scale ‐ Oppositional/Defiant (IOWA‐O/D)

2

286

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.86 [‐1.12, ‐0.59]

9.3 Subgroup analysis: dose Show forest plot

7

820

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.61 [‐0.88, ‐0.34]

9.3.1 Low dose

2

71

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐1.16, ‐0.19]

9.3.2 High dose

4

541

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.66 [‐1.05, ‐0.27]

9.3.3 Unknown dose

2

208

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.41 [‐1.29, 0.46]

9.4 Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment Show forest plot

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.4.1 Short term (up to 6 months)

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.5 Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials versus first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.5.1 Parallel‐group trials

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.6 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

16

1302

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.87, ‐0.63]

9.6.1 High risk of bias

16

1302

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.87, ‐0.63]

9.7 Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose Show forest plot

16

2008

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.69 [‐0.78, ‐0.60]

9.7.1 Low dose

13

1104

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.60 [‐0.72, ‐0.48]

9.7.2 High dose

12

904

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.82 [‐0.95, ‐0.68]

9.8 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (teacher‐rated) versus cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

23

2094

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.72 [‐0.84, ‐0.60]

9.8.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

9.8.2 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

16

1302

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.87, ‐0.63]

9.9 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest Show forest plot

23

2094

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.72 [‐0.84, ‐0.60]

9.9.1 Low risk of vested interest

6

509

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.67 [‐0.90, ‐0.43]

9.9.2 High risk of vested interest

17

1585

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.74 [‐0.89, ‐0.60]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 9. Teacher‐rated general behaviour
Comparison 10. Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

10.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

1

94

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.10 [‐1.01, 3.21]

10.1.1 High risk of bias

1

94

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.10 [‐1.01, 3.21]

10.2 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

9

987

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.98 [‐1.39, ‐0.57]

10.2.1 High risk of bias

9

987

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.98 [‐1.39, ‐0.57]

10.3 Subgroup analysis: general behaviour, cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose Show forest plot

9

1319

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.02 [‐1.39, ‐0.64]

10.3.1 Low dose

9

987

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.82 [‐1.23, ‐0.41]

10.3.2 High dose

5

332

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐1.49 [‐2.37, ‐0.61]

10.4 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (independent assessor‐rated) compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

10

1081

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.86 [‐1.27, ‐0.46]

10.4.1 Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

1

94

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [‐0.20, 0.61]

10.4.2 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

9

987

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.98 [‐1.39, ‐0.57]

10.5 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest Show forest plot

9

1031

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.81 [‐1.24, ‐0.39]

10.5.1 Low risk of vested interest

2

190

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.32 [‐1.36, 0.72]

10.5.2 High risk of vested interest

6

799

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.59 [‐0.77, ‐0.41]

10.5.3 Unclear risk of vested interest

1

42

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐5.99 [‐7.46, ‐4.51]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 10. Independent assessor‐rated general behaviour
Comparison 11. Parent‐rated general behaviour

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

11.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

11.1.1 Low risk of bias

3

386

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.12 [‐0.64, 0.41]

11.1.2 High risk of bias

7

990

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.51 [‐0.69, ‐0.33]

11.2 Subgroup analysis: types of scales Show forest plot

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

11.2.1 The Weekly Parent Ratings of Evening and Morning Behaviour (WPREMB) ‐ Revised

2

167

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.18 [‐1.32, 0.96]

11.2.2 Conners' Global Index (CGI) ‐ Parent

2

352

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.41 [‐0.63, ‐0.20]

11.2.3 Swanson, Nolan and Pelham, Fourth Edition ‐ Oppositional (SNAP‐IV‐Oppositional)

1

15

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.86 [‐1.95, 0.23]

11.2.4 IOWA Conners' Rating Scale ‐ Oppositional/Defiant (IOWA‐I/O)

2

286

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐1.01, ‐0.49]

11.2.5 Conners' Early Childhood Behavior ‐ Parent Short Response Scale

1

117

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.44 [‐0.81, ‐0.07]

11.2.6 Strengths and Dificulties Questionnaire (SDQ)

1

85

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.04 [‐0.46, 0.39]

11.2.7 Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)

1

354

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.12 [‐0.38, 0.14]

11.3 Subgroup analysis: parallel‐group trials compared with first‐period cross‐over trials Show forest plot

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

11.3.1 Parallel‐group trials

9

1361

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.41 [‐0.61, ‐0.21]

11.3.2 First‐period cross‐over trials

1

15

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.86 [‐1.95, 0.23]

11.4 Subgroup analysis: duration of treatment Show forest plot

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

11.4.1 Short term (up to 6 months)

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

11.5 Subgroup analysis: dose Show forest plot

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

11.5.1 High dose

7

1052

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.32 [‐0.54, ‐0.10]

11.5.2 Unknown dose

3

324

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.71 [‐0.95, ‐0.47]

11.6 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

6

384

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.84 [‐1.05, ‐0.63]

11.6.1 High risk of bias

6

384

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.84 [‐1.05, ‐0.63]

11.7 Subgroup analysis: cross‐over trials (endpoint data): dose Show forest plot

6

550

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.75 [‐0.93, ‐0.56]

11.7.1 Low dose

5

248

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.65 [‐0.93, ‐0.38]

11.7.2 High dose

4

302

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.83 [‐1.07, ‐0.60]

11.8 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials (parent‐rated) compared with cross‐over trials (endpoint data) Show forest plot

16

1760

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.56 [‐0.74, ‐0.39]

11.8.1 All parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

11.8.2 Cross‐over trials (endpoint data)

6

384

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.84 [‐1.05, ‐0.63]

11.9 All parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: risk of bias Show forest plot

16

1760

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.56 [‐0.74, ‐0.39]

11.9.1 Low risk of bias

3

386

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.12 [‐0.64, 0.41]

11.9.2 High risk of bias

13

1374

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.63 [‐0.78, ‐0.47]

11.10 Subgroup analysis: all parallel‐group trials and cross‐over trials: vested interest Show forest plot

16

1760

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.56 [‐0.74, ‐0.39]

11.10.1 Low risk of vested interest

4

223

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐1.14, ‐0.10]

11.10.2 High risk of vested interest

12

1537

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.56 [‐0.75, ‐0.38]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 11. Parent‐rated general behaviour
Comparison 12. Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

12.1 Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comparisons of raters Show forest plot

13

2262

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.46 [‐0.64, ‐0.27]

12.1.1 Teacher‐rated

7

792

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.62 [‐0.91, ‐0.33]

12.1.2 Independent assessor‐rated

1

94

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.21 [‐0.20, 0.61]

12.1.3 Parent‐rated

10

1376

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.42 [‐0.62, ‐0.23]

12.2 Parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials: comorbidity versus no comorbidity Show forest plot

8

696

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.65 [‐0.90, ‐0.40]

12.2.1 ADHD with comorbidity

6

265

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.59 [‐0.95, ‐0.23]

12.2.2 ADHD without comorbidity

2

431

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.70 [‐1.16, ‐0.24]

12.3 Cross‐over trials: first‐period data versus endpoint data in the same trials (teacher‐, parent‐, and independent assessor‐rated) Show forest plot

1

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

12.3.1 First‐period data

1

16

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.81 [‐1.75, 0.13]

12.3.2 Endpoint data

1

14

Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.14 [‐0.71, 1.00]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 12. Additional subgroup analyses of general behaviour
Comparison 13. Quality of life: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

13.1 Subgroup analysis: types of scales Show forest plot

4

608

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.40 [‐0.03, 0.83]

13.1.1 Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ)

1

257

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.54 [0.25, 0.83]

13.1.2 Children´s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS)

1

36

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.10, 1.47]

13.1.3 Child Health and Illness Profile, Child Edition: Parent Report Form (CHIP‐CE:PRF)

1

221

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

0.64 [0.37, 0.91]

13.1.4 Parent & child reported Revised questionnaire for Children and adolescents to record health‐related quality of life (KINDL‐R)

1

94

Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)

‐0.30 [‐0.71, 0.11]

Figures and Tables -
Comparison 13. Quality of life: parallel‐group trials and first‐period cross‐over trials