Methylphenidate transdermal system in adult ADHD and impact on emotional and oppositional symptoms
Barrie K Marchant1, Frederick W Reimherr, Reid J Robison
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. barriemarchant@aol.com
Objective:
This trial evaluated the effect of methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) on the full spectrum of adult symptoms (attention-disorganization, hyperactivity-impulsivity, emotional dysregulation [ED], and oppositional-defiant disorder [ODD]) found in this disorder.
Method:
This placebo-controlled, double-blind, flexible-dose, crossover trial employed the Wender-Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (WRAADDS) and Connor's Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and two measures of adult ODD. Treatment responses of all participants and four subgroups (ADHDalone, ADHD + ED, ADHD + ODD, and ADHD + ED + ODD) were assessed.
Results:
Around 23% of baseline participants were ADHD alone, 31% were ADHD + ED, 10% were ADHD + ODD, and 36% were ADHD + ED + ODD. There was a significant treatment effect for all symptom areas and all four subgroups. MTS was associated with significantly more adverse events, especially dermatologic side effects.
Conclusions:
MTS was effective in treating adult ADHD. This clinical trial included numerous participants meeting criteria for ED and ODD. All ADHD symptoms responded positively to treatment with MTS.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
11:17Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Published on: November 25, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
