Editorial: On the Safety of Long-term Methylphenidate Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Early Childhood

The clinical manifestations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often emerge before 6 years of age, and an early onset can portend a more marked and severe clinical course. Given that untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on educational attainment and social functioning, early treatment is indicated, as it might translate into better distal outcomes. For this age group, the current recommendation from clinical guidelines and ADHD experts is to administer behavioral therapy as first-line treatment. Because only limited information has been available on the possible safety implications of long-term pharmacological treatment at young ages, the use of methylphenidate is reserved for cases with impairing ADHD symptoms unresponsive to psychosocial intervention.1.