New findings from a randomized controlled trial: Osmotic-release methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) for ADHD in adolescents with substance use disorders.

This presentation provides an overview of the design and main findings of protocol CTN-0028, which evaluated the efficacy of osmotic-release methylphenidate (OROS-MPH, sold under the brand name Concerta), relative to placebo, in treating co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance use in adolescents. Both groups experienced clinically and statistically significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and (past-28-days) drug use, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. OROS-MPH appears to be safe and well-tolerated, but the similar reduction in ADHD symptoms between the OROS-MPH and placebo groups suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which was given to both groups, may have been the primary contributing factor. The presentation continues by examining emerging research on the use of CBT to treat ADHD, and then presents secondary objectives of the protocol, including an examination of depression, marijuana, and cigarette smoking in the study population.

Related protocols: CTN-0028