Overview
Summary of evidence on whether ADHD medication effects are genuine or primarily due to placebo, based on results from numerous controlled studies.
Evidence from Placebo-Controlled Trials
- Over 400 studies have investigated the effects of stimulant medications for ADHD.
- Additional studies have examined non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine.
- All referenced studies used a placebo-controlled design to determine effectiveness.
Placebo and Active Medication Response Rates
- Placebo response rates ranged from 10 to 35 percent in most studies.
- Active medication responder rates ranged from 55 to 92 percent, averaging about 75 percent.
- Active medication response is approximately double that of placebo, indicating a substantial true effect.
Conclusions from the Data
- Randomized, placebo-controlled studies repeatedly show that ADHD medications have a real therapeutic effect.
- While a minor placebo effect may exist, the majority of the observed benefit is due to the active properties of the medication.