Naturalistic exploration of the effect of osmotic release oral system-methylphenidate on remission rate and functional improvement in Taiwanese children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

AIM

To determine the differences in the remission rate, recovery rate, functional improvement, and treatment adherence related to treatment with short-acting immediate-release methylphenidate (IR-MPH) and long-acting osmotic-release oral system-methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) in a naturalistic setting among Taiwanese children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS

A total of 757 children with ADHD, aged 6-18 years, was evaluated using the following in order determine functional improvement and treatment adherence: the Chinese version of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, version IV scale (SNAP-IV-C), Clinical Global Impression-ADHD-Severity (CGI-S) to measure remission and recovery rates, the Chinese version of the Social Adjustment Inventory for Children and Adolescents (CSAICA), and caregiver's satisfaction rate, treatment adherence, and frequency of adverse effects.

RESULTS

According to the SNAP-IV-C scores, the remission rate was 30.72%, and the recovery rate was 16.38%. Compared to short-acting IR-MPH, OROS-MPH was associated with greater functional improvement and treatment adherence among children with ADHD.

CONCLUSION

OROS-MPH treatment at the adequate dosage can achieve higher remission and recovery rates, produce greater functional improvement, and result in better treatment adherence than IR-MPH treatment.