A comprehensive review of treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has surfaced, providing clear insights into effective management strategies. Conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton, Université Paris Nanterre, and the Institut Robert-Debré du Cerveau de l’Enfant, the study synthesizes findings from over 200 meta-analyses, presenting a clearer understanding of ADHD treatment options. The results, published in The BMJ on February 10, 2026, aim to assist both patients and healthcare providers in navigating treatment choices.
The extensive research indicates that medication remains the most reliable treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. For adults, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) also shows strong evidence of effectiveness. The researchers highlighted that while these interventions are well-supported by high-quality evidence from short-term clinical trials, there is a significant gap in long-term treatment efficacy data.
To address this gap, the research team has launched an interactive public website, ebiadhd-database.org. This platform allows individuals with ADHD and their clinicians to explore treatment options based on the latest evidence. Professor Samuele Cortese, NIHR Research Professor at the University of Southampton and one of the lead authors, remarked, “People with ADHD and their families are often overwhelmed by conflicting messages about which treatments work. This website provides the most authoritative, evidence-based guidance currently available.”
Insights from the Study and New Interactive Tool
The analysis revealed strong support for five medications commonly prescribed to children and adolescents suffering from ADHD. In adults, two medications combined with CBT demonstrated effectiveness, but all findings were limited to short-term outcomes. Other interventions, such as acupuncture, mindfulness, and exercise, exhibited potential benefits; however, the quality of studies supporting these approaches was generally low, often involving small participant groups and a risk of bias.
Dr. Corentin Gosling, Associate Professor at Paris Nanterre University and the study’s first lead author, emphasized the importance of accurate information in mental health treatment. “Long waiting lists for mental health services are a major issue. Incorrect information about treatments can complicate patients’ journeys, wasting time and resources on non-evidence-based approaches,” he explained. The new web platform aims to empower individuals with ADHD by facilitating shared decision-making and improving treatment adherence.
Implications for Clinical Practice and Future Research
The findings of this study align closely with existing international clinical guidelines, reaffirming current recommendations while providing accessible evidence. The researchers hope that their initiative will influence clinical practice and policy similarly to their previous project, which focused on evidence-based treatments for autism.
The research was supported by peer-reviewed funding from the Agence Nationale de la Recherche, the France 2030 program, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. This effort marks a significant step toward addressing the complexities of ADHD treatment and ensuring better outcomes for patients.
The study titled, “Benefits and harms of ADHD interventions: umbrella review and platform for shared decision making,” is now available online through The BMJ. The development of the ebiadhd-database.org website represents a pioneering approach in providing evidence-based treatment information, making it a vital resource for those affected by ADHD.
