Medications for ADHD have been found to be more effective than placebo for short-term treatment, especially in children and adolescents. Methylphenidate is recommended as a first choice for younger patients, while amphetamines are preferred for adults.

Amphetamines have shown both high effectiveness and good tolerability among adults. In children, methylphenidate is better accepted than amphetamines and is as tolerable as placebo. Additionally, monitoring weight and blood pressure is important when using medications like atomoxetine, as they can cause changes.

Researchers explored numerous scientific studies, specifically double-blind randomized controlled trials. This means studies where both the participants and the researchers didn't know who was receiving which specific treatment, making the results more reliable. These trials examined the effects of various ADHD drugs like amphetamines (including Adderall and Vyvanse), atomoxetine (Strattera), and methylphenidate (Ritalin), among others, compared to a placebo—a harmless pill.

The study used both direct comparisons and more complex statistical methods like network meta-analysis to combine results across different studies. Study risks were assessed systematically using established tools and methods to ensure confidence in the findings. To guarantee the accuracy of the gathered data, authors reached out to study authors and drug makers for further information. Eventually, these careful evaluations would inform medical and public recommendations for ADHD medications.

The study included 133 trials, with the majority focused on children and adolescents. The outcomes showed that, over about 12 weeks, most medications were more effective than a placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms in both young people and adults. For instance, ADHD symptoms in children improved notably with amphetamines and methylphenidate according to clinicians' assessments. However, teachers only noted improvements with methylphenidate and modafinil. Among adults, amphetamines, atomoxetine, and methylphenidate appeared more effective than a placebo.

Regarding side effects, amphetamines seemed to have more side effects than placebo in both age groups, whereas certain other medications showed tolerability issues only in adults. Notably, head-to-head comparisons favored amphetamines over other drugs like atomoxetine and methylphenidate for effectiveness, particularly in adult patients.

This study shines a light on the most exhaustive evidence surrounding ADHD medication efficacy and safety across varying age groups. It suggests that, for short-term treatment, methylphenidate might be the best initial choice for children and adolescents, while amphetamines could be more suitable for adults.

These insights aim to help guide the choice of ADHD medications used by families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.