OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the effect of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication on quality of life (QoL), and to understand whether this effect differs between stimulants and nonstimulants. METHOD: From the dataset of a published network meta-analysis (Cortese et al., 2018 RESULTS: We included 17 RCTs (5,388 participants in total
56% randomized to active medication) in the meta-analyses. We found that amphetamines (Hedge's g = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.94), methylphenidate (0.38
0.23, 0.54), and atomoxetine (0.30
0.19, 0.40) were significantly more efficacious than placebo in improving QoL in people with ADHD, with moderate effect size. For atomoxetine, these effects were not moderated by the length of intervention, and did not differ between children/adolescents and adults. CONCLUSION: In addition to being efficacious in reducing ADHD core symptom severity, both stimulant and nonstimulant medications are efficacious in improving QoL in people with ADHD, albeit with lower effect sizes. Future research should explore whether, and to what degree, combining pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions is likely to further improve QoL in people with ADHD. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: From a prior dataset of a network meta-analysis, 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in a meta-analysis to investigate if attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication improves quality of life (QoL) in people with ADHD. The analysis showed that medications such as amphetamines, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine improved QoL compared to placebo, with moderate effect sizes. This study underscores the importance of ADHD medications, both stimulants and nonstimulants, not only in alleviating core ADHD symptoms but also in enhancing overall QoL for individuals with ADHD. STUDY PREREGISTRATION INFORMATION: Effects of pharmacological treatment for ADHD on quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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