Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Controlled and uncontrolled studies (including retrospective studies) were included. Case reports were excluded unless they contained otherwise unavailable data.
Specific interventions included in the review
Stimulants (specifically methylphenidate and pemoline), tricyclic antidepressants (desipramine, nortriptyline and bupropion), monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (pargyline and deprenyl), other antidepressants (S-adenosylmethionine and nomifensine), antihypertensives (propanolol), amino acids (L-dopa, phenylalanine and tyrosine) and combined pharmacotherapy are considered.
Participants included in the review
Adults with ADHD were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
'Response', response rates and side-effects were assessed.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Studies with 'sufficient description of study methodology and statistical analysis to permit a critical evaluation' were selected.