Author(s) :

Hannah Chaze.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by patterns of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impact individuals’ daily functioning. Individuals with ADHD typically struggle with focusing on tasks, controlling impulsivity, maintaining high self-esteem, doing well in school, and maintaining social relationships. Methylphenidate (MPH) is used to treat ADHD by working in the central nervous system with neurotransmitters to reduce the symptoms that cause inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. To evaluate its effectiveness, we conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review, covering 9 studies with a total of 823 patients treated with methylphenidate and 827 age-matched controls, employing data collection of phenotypic description, noticeable drug-related improvements, and behavioral modifications. Treatment with methylphenidate was associated with increased attention and processing speed, along with decreased behavioral issues, inattention, and impulsivity, increased quality of life, and increased processing speed with methylphenidate treatment. Additionally, MPH treatment resolved behavioral issues in all studies with behavioral testing, but there were differences in the behavioral tests performed. A limitation highlighted in the review is that studies evaluating MPH in patient populations demonstrate a sex imbalance in ADHD treatment cohorts, potentially limiting generalizability. These findings suggest that ADHD treatment with MPH decreases impulsive behaviors and increases attention and quality of life in a mostly male patient population.