[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder therapy update: extended-release methylphenidate].
BACKGROUND
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common condition in neuropaediatric practice and the most widely used medication is methylphenidate (MPT). We discuss the comorbid disorders, diagnosis, aetiopathology and neurochemical bases, and we also stress the importance of pharmacological action on the dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways, and the problems and benefits of the different formulations of MPT.


OBJECTIVE
Since extended-release MPT by means of the OROS technique has only recently been commercialised in Spain, we conducted a comparative analysis of immediate-release MPT and extended-release MPT in a series of 93 patients in order to determine which of them is preferable, to evaluate the reasons why this is so, and to analyse the shortcomings and advantages of the two drugs.


METHODS
We present a study of 93 patients between 6 and 18 years old. Once an initial treatment had been established, changing over to extended-release MPT was proposed. We analysed compliance, effectiveness, safety, the preferences of the family and the degree of control over afternoon symptoms with the new treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the patients began treatment with immediate-release MPT or other medication. Changing to extended-release MPT brought about greater satisfaction with the control of afternoon symptoms and an improvement in the degree of compliance with respect to the initial treatment with immediate-release MPT or other drugs.
Mulas
F
F
Hospital Infantil La Fe, 46009 Valencia, Espana. fernando.mulas@invanep.es
Mattos
L
L
Hernández-Muela
S
S
Gandía
R
R
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008774:Methylphenidate