Commentary: Identifying individualized predictions of response in ADHD pharmacotherapy - a commentary on Rodrigues et al. (2020)

In this issue, Rodrigues et al. (2020) present a systematic review with meta-analyses that reports the efficacy of five treatments for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in the context of autism spectrum disorder - (a) methylphenidate; (b) atomoxetine; (c) guanfacine; (d) aripiprazole; and (e) risperidone. In this commentary, we highlight the contrast between the scarce evidence base of treatment for ADHD in the context of autism and other subpopulations, such as tic disorders and intellectual disability, and the extensive evidence base of treatment for ADHD in general. The commentary weighs about the conundrum clinicians face of whether to rely on the limited evidence base of treatment for ADHD in subpopulation, or to derive conclusions from the larger body of evidence of treatment for ADHD in general. The commentary also discusses potential avenues for future research to address this clinical problem.

Automated summary

This commentary highlights the scarcity of evidence for treating ADHD symptoms in the context of autism compared to other subpopulations such as tic disorders and intellectual disability, despite the extensive evidence base for treating ADHD in general. It discusses the dilemma clinicians face in relying on limited evidence for treating ADHD in specific subpopulations or deriving conclusions from the broader body of evidence on ADHD treatment. The commentary also explores potential avenues for future research to address this clinical problem.