Drug and placebo side effects in methylphenidate-placebo trial for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

In a double-blind methylphenidate placebo trial for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), side effects were reported on both placebo and methylphenidate (MPH), and many side effects were similar to the symptoms of ADHD. We suggest that parents and teachers may mistake the symptoms of ADHD for side effects of MPH, and this misconstrual may contribute to the poor acceptance of and compliance with taking MPH.