Comparison of Stimdate with Ritalin in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of stimdate compared to ritalin in the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: Sixty four subjects (45 boys and 15 girls) aged 5-13 who were diagnosed with ADHD based on (DSM-IV-TR) criteria were selected for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: one group with 30 subjects received stimdate and the other group of 30 subjects received ritalin for 6 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Rating Scale administered at baseline and on weeks 2, 4 and 6 following the treatment. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (time- treatment interaction) was used. Results: There were no significant differences between sex, age, weight, and ethnicity of the participants in the 2 groups. Both groups showed a significant improvement during the 6 weeks of the treatment period, and this improvement was due to the parentsʹ ADHD Rating Scale during the treatment. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, no significant difference was observed between the two medications, and it seems both drugs behave in a similar way. In addition, stimdate appears to be effective and well tolerated for ADHD in children and adolescents in Iran.