Meta-analysis of Effectiveness of Methylphenidate on the Rate of ADHD Symptoms

Abstract

Background : In recent years, psychologists and psychiatrists in the field of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) have been research doing for measurement of validity and efficiency of available treatment and. In this regard, meta-analysis integrates the results of different studies then determines the effect size of drug treatment.This study seeks to investigate the effective rate of methylphenidateon on reducing ADHD symptoms by following the meta-analysis model.Materials and Methods : 21 Studies which were methodologically accepted were selected and meta-analysis was done on them. The research tool was meta-analysis check list.Results : the result indicated that rate of effect size drug treatment on reducing ADHD symptoms was 0.71 (p≤ 0.001). This rate of effective size according to Cohen table was higher than average and considered.Conclusion : Therefore, it seems that methylphenidateon can be applied as proper treatments for individuals suffering from ADHD symptoms.