Concerta pills ADHD medication are seen in this illustration photo in Warsaw, Poland on 13 February, 2024. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
A recent study involving nearly 150,000 individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) revealed that stimulant medications such as methylphenidate, commonly used to treat ADHD, could reduce the risk of suicidal behavior by 17%, drug abuse by 15%, and recurrent road accidents among teenagers with ADHD by 12%.
The study, published in the British Medical Journal on August 13, 2025, highlighted the positive effects of ADHD drug treatment in reducing impulsivity, improving attention and executive functions, and ultimately lowering adverse outcome events. The researchers emphasized that individuals with recurrent adverse events benefited more from ADHD drug treatment, suggesting a cumulative and long-term positive impact.
While ADHD diagnosis rates have traditionally been higher in children than adults, particularly boys, there is a growing recognition of ADHD in adults, especially women. The study analyzed data from 148,581 individuals with ADHD in Sweden, with a significant portion being women. Most participants were prescribed methylphenidate, aligning with current treatment guidelines that recommend stimulants as the primary drug therapy.
“Our findings support the use of stimulants as the first-line treatment for ADHD, followed by non-stimulants, based on evidence from population-based clinical data,” concluded the researchers.
